Subject category:
Human Resource Management / Organisational Behaviour
Published by:
Darden Business Publishing
Abstract
Although Martha Stewart''s firm, Martha Stewart Omnimedia (MSO) was not accused of any crime, both her company''s reputation and her face were being displayed in the media along side corporate villains from Enron, and WorldCom. According to Stewart, ''One doesn''t anticipate a disaster like this''. But now that disaster has struck, what might she anticipate for herself? For her role at MSO? For the very survival of the company she created? How should Stewart deal with the unwanted media attention and negative attacks that were sure to come? Should she keep quiet and trust that her reputation as the perfect homemaker would prevail, or should she speak out and go on the defensive? This case encourages students to think critically about crisis prevention, examine leadership during a crisis, and learn from crises. The case lends itself to teach how business leaders can: (1) plan for a crisis; (2) recognize the various stakeholders affected by the crisis; (3) know what, when, how, and to whom to communicate regarding the crisis; and (4) adopt a learning strategy for crisis prevention. See also the (B) case (UVA-OB-0812).
About
Abstract
Although Martha Stewart''s firm, Martha Stewart Omnimedia (MSO) was not accused of any crime, both her company''s reputation and her face were being displayed in the media along side corporate villains from Enron, and WorldCom. According to Stewart, ''One doesn''t anticipate a disaster like this''. But now that disaster has struck, what might she anticipate for herself? For her role at MSO? For the very survival of the company she created? How should Stewart deal with the unwanted media attention and negative attacks that were sure to come? Should she keep quiet and trust that her reputation as the perfect homemaker would prevail, or should she speak out and go on the defensive? This case encourages students to think critically about crisis prevention, examine leadership during a crisis, and learn from crises. The case lends itself to teach how business leaders can: (1) plan for a crisis; (2) recognize the various stakeholders affected by the crisis; (3) know what, when, how, and to whom to communicate regarding the crisis; and (4) adopt a learning strategy for crisis prevention. See also the (B) case (UVA-OB-0812).