Mayhem in the Magic City: Rebuilding legitimacy in a communication train wreck

Abstract This study explores the relationship between corrective action and rebuilding legitimacy. Specifically, the corrective actions taken by the City of Minot and Ward County officials in response to the emergency communication breakdowns during the 2002 Canadian Pacific train derailment and anhydrous ammonia spill are analyzed. The study concludes that corrective action when employed as organizational learning can expedite image restoration, rebuild legitimacy, and better prepare organizations for future crises.