Final answer:
The statement is false. A closed communication system can hinder an organization's capacity to communicate effectively during a crisis, as opposed to an open system that facilitates swift and broad dissemination of information.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that a closed communication system within an organization makes it easier for the organization to communicate in a crisis is false. During a crisis, effective communication is critical for the coordination and control of actions. Open communication systems are generally more advantageous in such situations as they allow for the fast flow of information, necessary for making swift decisions and disseminating critical updates to all stakeholders involved. A closed system, by contrast, restricts information flow and can hinder the organization's ability to respond to the crisis promptly and effectively. The importance of clear communication is exemplified by high-stakes situations, such as the Cuban Missile Crisis, where the potential for misunderstanding could have had grave consequences.
While it is true that we are more connected now than ever before, and that means communication can be faster and more widely accessible, the basics of communication have not changed. The ability to send and receive messages, similar to the function of a cell phone as described in Figure 9.1, is essential in managing a crisis effectively.