I’ve always wondered why more people are not using research communities in crisis management research and strategy. They are such a natural fit…

For starters, the most active point in a research community’s life is often the initial launch. For the first few weeks/months, new members are most excited to be part of the process and you see the highest participation rates in this initial period. This would tie in nicely with any type of crisis management project, when there is a fairly finite and urgent period of time to deal with an issue. The more people you have weighing in a given issue, typically the more insightful it can be.

Secondly, user generated content tends to spike when current issues or pop culture directly relate to the central theme of a community. We see this all the time in some of our tech-focused research communities. When a new device hits the market - community members offer the most insightful feedback pre and post product release. They blog about pricing/feature rumors and genuinely check in regularly to see if any other community members can dig up any details about the new release. Since crisis management typically involves very present issues - you could tap raw opinions/attitudes about the crisis as it is happening.

Also, I think that people offer the best solutions and ideas when they are going through a related problem or situation. Typically, the more urgent and pressing the issue is and the more people can relate on a personal level - the more vested they are in a true solution. So, the potential for using research communities to solve specific critical problems is huge. Imagine if we were able to tap into an economist research community to help us deal with the current economic crisis. The suggestions and potential solutions would be emerging at the most appropriate time.

I know that one of the greatest values of community is the ability to establish constant connection with a group of people, and the idea of a finite community limits this window for connection… but this connection doesn’t always have to last forever. It can just be temporary to help save the world. Well, that might be a stretch - but you never know.