The integrated role of adaptive leadership, sense of empathy and communication transparency: Trust building in corporate communication during the pandemic

Juan Meng, Pan, P.-L., Michael A. Cacciatore, & Karen Robayo Sanchez (Doctoral student) (2024). “The integrated role of adaptive leadership, sense of empathy and communication transparency: Trust building in corporate communication during the pandemic.” Corporate Communications: An International Journal, online first, https://doi.org/10.1108/CCIJ-09-2023-0125

Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic has generated a significant impact on several aspects of public relations practice. By adopting the theoretical framework of adaptive leadership, this research is designed to explore how an organization’s top leadership can support related adaptive action in strategic communication. Particularly, we hope to explore whether the application of adaptive leadership could facilitate a higher level of communication transparency as well as deliver a sense of caring and empathy in COVID-19 communication. Results confirmed that the perceived impact of the COVID-19 pandemic increased communication professionals’ challenges in building trust. It also drives adaptive changes in their coping actions in strategic communication. More importantly, the top leadership within the organization played a key role in this adaptive leadership environment by demonstrating commitment to transparency in COVID-19 communication and delivering a sense of empathy during the pandemic.