The Impact of Strategic Planning on Crisis Management Styles in the 5-star Hotels

This study investigates crisis management styles (escaping, confrontation, cooperation and containment) and their relationship to strategic planning processes in the 5-star hotels in Egypt. The study used descriptive analytical method, with qualitative and quantitative approaches. 190 self-administered questionnaires have been emailed to all the general managers at the Egyptian 5star
hotels. Results indicated a statistically significant, effect-based correlation between strategic planning processes and crisis management styles, which was negative between strategic planning and escaping, while being positive between strategic planning and confrontation, cooperation, and containment. These findings implied the significant role of strategic planning in times of crises to improve hotels‘ ability to survive and thrive. Managers who actively exercise strategic planning are less escapable and more able to manage the crisis, either by using the styles of cooperation, confrontation or containment. Hence, hotels should employ a strategic approach to crisis management by embodying and integrating crisis management planning in the strategy setting process. Considering and planning for both simultaneously help managers think and plan strategically during the midst of crisis, and increase their ability to manage a crisis successfully.