1. This paper investigates the communication behaviour on Twitter during a corporate crisis, with Volkswagen's "Dieselgate" scandal as a case study.
2. The authors applied data analysis tools to the Twitter communication around the crisis and found that Volkswagen followed a strategy of keeping silent, which extended the Situational Crisis Communication Theory (SCCT).
3. The findings of this study can help decision makers to put social media response strategies into practice in order to swiftly recover from crises or avoid further reputational damage.
The article “Silence” as a Strategy During a Corporate Crisis – The Case of Volkswagen’s “Dieselgate” is an informative and well-researched piece that provides valuable insights into how companies should respond to corporate crises on social media platforms such as Twitter. The authors have used data analysis tools to examine the communication behaviour on Twitter during the rise of Volkswagen’s “Dieselgate” scandal and have identified a strategy of keeping silent as an effective way for companies to manage their reputation in times of crisis.
The article is reliable and trustworthy, as it is based on thorough research and analysis of relevant data. Furthermore, it is written in an objective manner, presenting both sides equally without any bias or partiality. It also acknowledges potential risks associated with this strategy and provides useful advice for decision makers on how to effectively manage their reputation in times of crisis.
However, there are some points that could be improved upon in future versions of this article. For example, while the authors have provided evidence for their claims regarding VW’s strategy of keeping silent, they do not explore any counterarguments or alternative strategies that could be employed by companies facing similar crises. Additionally, while the authors acknowledge potential risks associated with this strategy, they do not provide any concrete examples or evidence for these risks.
In conclusion, this article is reliable and trustworthy overall but could benefit from further exploration into alternative strategies and potential risks associated with silence during corporate crises.