Management of latvian government communications during an economic crisis: The role of information strategies in the public sector

The focus on this paper is on an analysis of the management of Latvian government and public sector communications, offering a more detailed review of the importance of communications policies and practices in the process of overcoming an economic crisis. Effective crisis communications, indeed, are one of the most important components in overcoming a crisis. During a crisis, an open and empathetic style of communication - one which engenders public trust - is most effective when officials try to galvanise the population in terms of doing something positive or refraining from doing something that is harmful. Although trust is imperative in a crisis, public suspicions about scientific and government experts have increased for a variety of reasons. These include the increased availability of sources of conflicting information, a reduction in the use of scientific reasoning in decision making, as well as political infighting. Trust and credibility, when demonstrated through empathy and caring, competence and expertise, honesty and openness, and dedication and commitment - these are truly essential elements of persuasive communication.