A Study On The Information Management Of Public Crisis In China

In modern society, the transmission and use of information has become the driving force of the society. The speed at which information is transmitted and employed has become one of the important caliber for a country and a society's level of advancement. As the crisis has become quite normal in the public sphere, information management has played a vital role in the management of public crisis. In the whole process of the public crisis management of governments, the management of information relevant to the crisis applies to every stage before, during and after the event, with each stage having different situations and therefore requiring different contents and standards for the information management. The timely collection, transmission and sharing of information can relieve the crisis and reduce the damage it causes. What is more important, in case of crisis, the exchange of information can guarantee that governments are able to make correct decision in time, coordinate actions and improve governments' ability to react to crisis. An effective, active and successful information management of public crisis helps to control its development, relieve the panic of the public, protect citizens' right to know and enhance the efficiency of crisis management, thus upholding a favorable image of the government.Our country and governments at all levels have already made great breakthroughs in establishing a sound information management system for public crisis. The country's overall ability to react to emergent public crisis and risks has been improved remarkably. This is mainly reflected in the following aspects. The awareness of public crisis has been raised. The information management system for public crisis has been established and is being perfected. The standardization of information has been undertaken and has yielded some results. The online information management system for public crisis has been employed. The information management of public crisis has been legalized and institutionalized. The government information publicity has been realized. Mainstream media's awareness of their roles has been clarified and strengthened. International cooperation and communication in terms of public crisis management has been initiated.However, by examining the way our governments at all levels deal with public crisis, we can find that there are still problems, such as poor coordination and improper use of information. It is on the one hand due to the fact that the current administrative system and laws and regulations have put some restrictions on the information management system of public crisis. On the other hand, some departments, administrative offices and state-owned enterprises do not lay emphasis on the information.This paper aims to shed some light on how to improve the information management of public crisis in China by comparing the experiences and methods in this aspect in New York, Tokyo and Shanghai. The following measures may be able to enhance our government's function in providing public services and reacting to crisis. First, a sound reaction system for information management of public crisis should be established. Second, broader ways of publicizing government information need to be found. Third, qualified professionals in information management are desperately needed. Forth, the way of leading the public opinion and coordinating the media is advised to be improved. It is hoped that these measures can enhance our country's information management of public crisis, thus contributing to its administrative level and even the overall development of the society.