Crisis Chemical Signaling
In crisis, the chemical signal (how you respond) matters more than the crisis itself (what happened).
In crisis, the chemical signal (how you respond) matters more than the crisis itself (what happened).
Alarm pheromones trigger immediate coordinated response to threats. Honeybee isoamyl acetate released from ruptured venom gland recruits guards within seconds. The signal is temporary - degrading in minutes after threat passes - matching temporary threat with temporary alarm state.
Business Application of Crisis Chemical Signaling
In crisis, the chemical signal (how you respond) matters more than the crisis itself (what happened). J&J's Tylenol response is remembered more than the tampering. The Crisis Communication Paradox: Companies spend millions minimizing crises, but minimization signals defensiveness. Amplification and transparency build trust even when the crisis wasn't your fault.