Episode 13 of 25: Coordination and language – Untangling thick concepts for better crisis communication

In this episode, we explore Chapter 13 of the anthology Crisis Management edited by Tore Hafting (2017), written by Claudia Baisini and Erik Bjurström. This thought-provoking chapter dives into the foundational role of language in crisis coordination and questions common assumptions about communication in multi-organizational emergency settings.

We discuss:

• The limits of standardization: Why traditional command-and-control language systems may fail in multicultural and multi-agency crisis responses.

• "Thick concepts" and conceptual schemes: What they are and how they shape communication, interpretation, and action.

• Examples of linguistic misunderstanding: How terms like "brave" can lead to radically different actions depending on the cultural or organizational context.

• The danger of conceptual boxes: When shared terminology hides rather than reveals differences in meaning, leading to reduced reflection and critical thinking.

• Ethical language and evaluation: The intertwining of facts and values in key terms used in crisis settings.

• Wittgenstein and the grammar of crisis communication: Why language use must be tied to context and practice, not just to abstract definitions.

• The performative aspect of language: How language not only describes but also drives actions, often unconsciously.

• Practical implications for training: The need to raise awareness of linguistic nuance in joint exercises and cross-agency collaboration.

• Proposed strategy – untangling linguistic knots: A method for making implicit meanings explicit and fostering deeper understanding and cooperation.

This episode emphasizes that language in crisis communication is never neutral—it carries values, assumptions, and action-guiding expectations. Recognizing and unpacking these elements is essential for improving coordination and collaboration in increasingly complex crisis environments.

Disclaimer:
This podcast is an independent, AI-generated educational resource and is not affiliated with or officially endorsed by Claudia Baisini, Erik Bjurström, Tore Hafting, or Vigmostad & Bjørke. While we strive to present accurate information, we do not take responsibility for any errors, omissions, or misinterpretations. Listeners are encouraged to refer to the original book "Crisis Management" for a comprehensive understanding.

Source:
Hafting, T. (ed.) (2017). Crisis Management. Vigmostad & Bjørke AS.