Stonewalling as an Image-Defense Strategy: A Critical Examination of BP's Response to the Deepwater Horizon Explosion

Abstract

This research investigated BP's response to accusations that the organization prioritized money and time over safety following the Deepwater Horizon explosion. This article uses Benoit's image-repair theories to examine BP's congressional testimony. Analysis of the testimony revealed a previously unidentified image-defense strategy, labeled here as stonewalling. This tactic redirected the audience's attention to miniscule and unimportant details, which enabled BP to temporarily prevent further damage to the company's image. The effectiveness and ethics of stonewalling are discussed in light of the 10 best practices of crisis communication.

Keywords:

• BP
• Crisis Communication
• Deepwater Horizon
• Image Defense
• Organizational Crisis
• Stonewalling

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Joy Smithson

Joy Smithson (PhD, 2012, The University of Southern Mississippi) is a Program Manager at United Way of Southeast Mississippi.

Steven Venette

Steven Venette (PhD, 2003, North Dakota State University) is an Associate Professor in the Department of Communication Studies at The University of Southern Mississippi.