This book applies relational dialects to risk and crisis communication to show how organizations handle stress and tensions with stakeholders and the public. Its novel use of interpersonal theory, which describes how couples face tensions as they maintain their relationship, is exemplified through seven case studies that focus on a common tension.

Robert S. Littlefield is professor in the Department of Communication at North Dakota State University.
Timothy L. Sellnow is professor in the Nicholson School of Communication at the University of Central Florida.

Chapter 1 Adding the Focus on Culture as a Best Practice
Robert S. Littlefield
Chapter 2 Tension of Timeliness: How Timing Proved Costly for Peanut Corporation of America
Shalindra Rathnasinghe & Robert S. Littlefield
Chapter 3 Tension of Openness: An Examination of Menu Foods Organizational Disclosure
During the 2007 Pet-Food Recall
Laura C. Farrell
Chapter 4 Tension of Certainty: The Mistakes of the E coli Outbreak in Europe
Nigel D. Haarstad & Robert S. Littlefield
Chapter 5 The Tension of Organizational Interest: China's 2008 Melamine Milk Crisis
Tara B. Freed & Robert S. Littlefield
Chapter 6 Tension of Taking Responsibility: The Failings of Del Bueno in the Queso Fresco
Crisis
Jessica Rick & Robert S. Littlefield
Chapter 7 The Tension of Controlling the Narrative: Construing and Mis-construing Risk Messages
Elizabeth L. Petrun
Chapter 8 The Tension of Emotional Connection: Health Literacy and the 2010 Salmonella Egg Recall
Holly A. Roberts and Shari R. Veil
Chapter 9 Reflecting on the Dialectal Tensions in Crisis Communication: Lessons Learned and Future Opportunities
Timothy L. Sellnow