Issues tend to develop over time and, typically, are focused on one topic or
situation. An issue is most likely to arise from a mismatch in expectations or
understanding between an organisation and its stakeholders.
If issues are not recognised, evaluated and correctly managed, they can build
momentum and become a crisis. Within the PR profession there is an age-old
mantra that says ‘an issue ignored is a crisis invited’. The point at which an issue
becomes a crisis can be called a tipping point. The relationship between the two
will be discussed in the next section.