In the wake of the Deepwater Horizon explosion in 2010, BP spokespersons said that while they were "totally responsible" for cleaning up the spill, they were not responsible for the accident. Which of the following theories best illuminates the use of such equivocal messages to stakeholder groups?
A) Organizational culture theory
B) Deetz's multiple stakeholder model
C) Weick's sensemaking theory
D) Burke's dramatism
E) Baxter's dialectical theory

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Weick's sensemaking theory suggests that individuals and organizations attempt to make sense of ambiguous and complex situations by creating stories or narratives that help them make sense of what happened, why it happened, and who is responsible. The use of equivocal messages by BP spokespersons reflects this sensemaking process, as they attempt to reconcile the conflicting demands of taking responsibility for the cleanup while deflecting blame for the accident itself.

In the Wake of the Deepwater Horizon Explosion in 2010