This document summarizes recommendations from the Freeh Report on improving Penn State's operations following the Jerry Sandusky scandal. It also discusses relevant crisis management literature and provides examples of library case studies dealing with crises. The recommendations focus on changing culture, increasing transparency, strengthening communication, implementing background checks and separating business/HR functions. The literature emphasizes the importance of authentic change, proactive communication and maintaining stakeholder trust.

1. PUBLIC RELATIONS NIGHTMARES
LEARNING FROM
THE PENN STATE
EXPERIENCE AND
CRISIS
MANAGEMENT
LITERATURE
Matthew P. Ciszek
Penn State Shenango
October 15, 2012

22. Recommendations of the Freeh Report
• Change Penn State’s
organizational culture
• Strive for openness and
transparency
• Regular communication
with stakeholders
• Background checks for all
employees regularly
• Separate business and
human resource functions
• Better communication
between administration
and board of trustees
• Establish independent
internal audit office
• Changes to practices of
athletics department
• Increase security &
training for programs
for/with children

32. Crisis Management Literature
• Authentic change has greatest impact
• Other responses can have negative effects on
the organization’s image
• Proactive organizations generally maintain
image and reputation
• Stakeholders want communication and
honesty
• Transparency and accountability also
important

33. Library Case Studies
• Embezzlement of Funds by Director
• Homicide on Library Property
• Department Head with “Internet Issues”

34. Questions?
Thank you for attending!
Matthew P. Ciszek
Assistant Librarian
Penn State Shenango
mpc16@psu.edu

35. Photo Credits
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