Stress on the line: The role of organisational communication in responder well-being.

Abstract

Emergency management is an inherently stressful field. Repeated exposure to the stress of emergency incidents increases the vulnerability of responders to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. Research has suggested, however, that internal organisational communication can also play a significant role in that vulnerability. This paper examines these findings through a case study of internal communication in a fire department and its effect on the stress levels of its members. This article is also included in The Business & Management Collection which can be accessed at https://hstalks.com/business/.