Stonewalling as an Image-Defense Strategy: A Critical Examination of BP's Response to the Deepwater Horizon Explosion
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
9-1-2013
Department
Communication Studies
School
Communication
Abstract
This research investigated BP's response to accusations that the organization prioritized money and time over safety following the Deepwater Horizon explosion. This article uses Benoit's image-repair theories to examine BP's congressional testimony. Analysis of the testimony revealed a previously unidentified image-defense strategy, labeled here as stonewalling. This tactic redirected the audience's attention to miniscule and unimportant details, which enabled BP to temporarily prevent further damage to the company's image. The effectiveness and ethics of stonewalling are discussed in light of the 10 best practices of crisis communication.
Publication Title
Communication Studies
Volume
64
Issue
4
First Page
395
Last Page
410
Recommended Citation
Smithson, J.,
Venette, S. J.
(2013). Stonewalling as an Image-Defense Strategy: A Critical Examination of BP's Response to the Deepwater Horizon Explosion. Communication Studies, 64(4), 395-410.
Available at: https://aquila.usm.edu/fac_pubs/15329