Customer Social Responsibility Report

“When someone shows you who they are, believe them.”–Maya Angelou (the operative term is shows you)
M3 Crisis and Issues of Trust
LLopez S2022
Planning ahead/an idea for a strain of multi-tasking
You’ll have a choice for Module 3: either analyze the CocaCola India crisis case in our textbook
or the E. Holmes/Theranos case. The case involving Elizabeth Holmes and Theranos is very
much in the news now and involves multiple levels of trust. When we or people we love have
routine or symptom-specific blood tests, we trust that people involved with the process
know what they are doing. In cases of serious illness, people are on a level of pause, waiting
for high-stakes results from those tests to return. And often high-stakes decisions follow.
People in investment roles have a responsibility to do due diligence in getting information
before investing. But due to the proprietary nature of many innovations requiring capital
investment, a degree of trust is involved there as well. Nearly all of my Baruch students have
had jobs, some already working at professional levels. So I think you are already aware of the
levels of trust employees place in their employers. And when we are in personal
relationships, nearly all of it involves deep levels of trust. And so forth . . .
Some of you may already be watching the dramatized version of the Theranos story on Hulu,
The Dropout, though I think it’s a good idea to start with the Hulu documentary, The
Inventor, or the podcast, Bad Blood: Final Chapter. And we are always concerned with issues
of trust throughout the course—and our lives. So whether or not you have time for those
resources or want to choose this case for M3, you should be following this one in the news. It
is wonderful to have heroes, role models, people who inspire us. But when someone takes
on so much of another’s identity, that behavior is a thing apart from inspiration.
>For module 1 news responses, many of you chose to respond to pieces re: office
romances/relationships. Here is an opinion piece re: the very famous, largely secret romance
of Elizabeth and Sunny but secret no longer so as his accountability issues escalate. Note how
this NYT article is structured, inviting access to more parts of this compelling story for those
reading this article and finding that they want to know/understand more.
In our opening chapter on the changing environment for business and society, Argenti asks
us to take note of the impact of arts & entertainment (A&E) as gateways to understanding,
the ways they influence perspectives even as we seek entertainment. So if you do choose to
take on this case, you can be reading/watching The Dropout now, taking notes, and
potentially be doing some of the prep work for M3.
https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/09/technology/sunny-balwani-elizabeth-holmestheranostrial.html?algo=combo_lda_clicks_norm_20_impression_cut_1_diversified&block=3&campai
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>Also ahead for Module 3, I’ll ask you to choose 5 recent book titles, published 2020 and
forward and ideally a mix of fiction and non-fiction, and write just a paragraph describing
why each title is of interest. While I don’t ask that you read additional books this term, I do
hope you’ll make a commitment to at least find and look through the titles you choose. Many
public libraries now have a “reading history” option you can check. That way, if you check out
titles and only have time to read sections, you’ll have a record. And you might surprise
yourself in deciding you do have time to read books once you see what they offer.
The NYT also is reporting a “reading emergency” among children in this country. In coverage
I’ve seen, I haven’t seen stats on how much time during lockdown kids spent on TikTok (with
a built-in addictive function in our version) and video games when responsible others might
have been reading to and with them at least some of the time. When my daughter and son
were pre-schoolers, I regularly read to them after lunch for an hour or two and then again at
bedtime, an incredible return on investment (ROI) as I literally never had to ask them if their
homework were done. I did all of my graduate work when they started elementary school,
and they did ask me at times if mine were done. Not kidding. I am such a goof-off. Absolutely
kidding.
Recommended new books appear on all channels so to speak. Amanpour and Company
frequently interviews authors of new books, easy-access videos on the site that offer a great
way to expand our commitment to learning and understanding.
Today NYT’s Frank Bruni describes the larger issues involved in the tragedy of Sandy Hook,
and I will be requesting this book at our library today and moving it to the top of my stack
when it arrives:
“My Times colleague Elizabeth Williamson’s new book, “Sandy Hook: An American
Tragedy and the Battle for Truth,” which came out on Tuesday, is about much, much
more than the cruel and ludicrous conspiracy theories that emerged from a horrific
mass shooting at an elementary school that should have given rise only to heartbreak
and political resolve. It wisely frames the dissenting narratives about the massacre as
harbingers of — and blueprints for — the assaults on reality to come. Elizabeth traces a
through line from Sandy Hook to the rioting at the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. And she
includes, among many profoundly disturbing details, the fact that a few of the most
prominent and prolific Sandy Hook conspiracy theorists came from academia. For
example, James Fetzer, a retired professor of philosophy at the University of Minnesota,
edited a 400-page book, “Nobody Died at Sandy Hook,” whose contributors include six
people with doctorates. “This group underscores research suggesting that psychology,
not politics, is a more consistent determinant of whether you routinely discount official
narratives in favor of conspiratorial ones,” Elizabeth told me.”
At the hour these children and teachers were murdered, I was out for a medical
procedure and awoke to this news. So my husband and I followed the coverage
nonstop that day until far into the night and following as I recovered. There is a great
deal to learn here about crisis, about the dangerous game of selling misinformation,
about the handling of even severe mental-health cases, and again, about trust.
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Module 2
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1. A list of 18-21 wonderful things
I finally purchased a new 43-inch smart television.
It seemed like I couldn’t get enough of the hot tab today, so I soaked in three baths.
My third cat, Lily, was adopted and given a new home.
My superhero and angel feelings were rekindled after saving my cat’s life.
The sunset on Sunday was spectacular, and it gave me a sensation of being on a tropical beach.
I’ve finished season one of an incredible series, and I’m beyond thrilled for season two.
The creation of a rose garden in my backyard was a dream come true.
At long last, I was able to finish my school year with the highest possible grades. So much more
than I had anticipated.
Six months later, my dog is being groomed; I had no idea he was so adorable.
It’s been a long since my husband and I went out on a formal date, and it felt like prom night all
over again.
Recovery from poisoning for my cat has been a rather straightforward process. She has regained
her former sense of playfulness.
A cookie tower was purchased for my supportive spouse, who jumped about like a little child
with delight.
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After more than two years, my sister finally came to see me. The amount of work we had to do
had us running behind schedule.
During her visit, my younger sister gave me my childhood teddy bear, which brought back all of
the wonderful memories of our childhood together.
After assisting the wonderful grandmother in retrieving her scarf, I received a thank you from an
unknown source.
When I received the loveliest unexpected present ever, a bracelet with her and my name on it, I
couldn’t believe it.
Street food was my introduction to a whole new world of tastes, which I really enjoyed.
When we got to the street food location, I told a humorous anecdote (which was eventually both
funny and inspiring). African blood sausage, as my buddy referred to it, was the delicacy she had
ordered for us. My companion inquired about the dish’s components after we finished eating and
before leaving the restaurant out of curiosity. When asked why it was made up of dog and cat
corpses, the dealer responded cynically. In an instant, my companion burst into tears, claiming
that she was about to die as a result of a virus that had caused a commotion nearby. This is the
second part of the tale; ever since that day, my buddy has made a point of reminding me of it
whenever she sees my dogs or cat. In order for me to prepare the dish out of them, she attempts
to persuade me that the food she had was great.
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2. NYT responses
It is honestly worrying to hear about the different disasters happening all over the world. I know
that getting to the root of things in a conflict between two giants is typically difficult without
destroying a great deal in the process but is it worth trying? The world’s most valuable firm is
locked in a standoff with Dutch authorities. An increasing number of authorities throughout the
globe, in both democratic and authoritarian nations, are attempting to force digital corporations
to alter their business practices. When it comes to following the law, the internet titans are known
to claim that they do so anywhere they do business. However, they also act as a check on
governments, deflecting or reshaping legislation and regulation. Furthermore, distinguishing
between legitimate opposition and corporate impunity is not always straightforward. In order to
settle the issue with Apple, a court in the Netherlands will almost certainly be necessary. While
all regulations are time-consuming and complex, this case demonstrates that those involving
large technology corporations with vast finances may be much more so. What remains to be seen
is whether Apple will battle current and future efforts to reform its app store with the same
enthusiasm that it has shown in the Netherlands, and whether or not we will be better or worse
off as a result of their actions. However, in all, we still hope for the best.
3. Responses CBS Sunday morning,
Creating a legacy with “King Richard” is a major concern for actor Will Smith.
13th of March, 2022.
I honestly found the session interesting and fun. Of course with will smith everything and
anything could get lovable. There is no denying that Will Smith has been, and continues to be, a
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renowned actor. King Richard, his most recent picture, has also been a success, with no
complaints. Everyone, even I know that it will be an Oscar award winning piece. Just know that
this film is a must-see. With little awareness of the world around him, he portrayed a father role
who was only trying to keep his family together and strengthen the family. Smith has always had
a fantasy of becoming the star he is even though he had a difficult childhood. A voyage that he
achieved via a variety of means, including music, comedy, writing, and acting, as well as other
forms of entertainment. We have had many other celebrities who were not lucky to have a
smooth life throughout without any denial, but they put in all their sweat, tears and blood into the
game I would say if asked. Will smith however has shown to add a tone of passion to his work.
He has always been determined and full of will, just like his name, Will. He has played his role
well as a parent with his family in the limelight too I’d say. I mean, his children have followed
their daddy’s footsteps well. Will, being an author too has also expressed and opened up his ideas
and thoughts to the world which I would confirm touching and uplifting.
COVID has left mental scars on many children, and we want to help them recover.
20th of March, 2022
Thanks to some individuals who look to start foundations specifically for those affected mentally
by the COVID 19 pandemic aftermath, people will finally get some assistance with their mental
struggles. Some individuals have looked to start foundations of the same kind specifically for
children. Yes, children too have had to struggle mentally but I would say that they are in most
cases ignored on the basis that ‘they are just children’. I believe that COVID 19 has wreaked
havoc on the world as a whole, to the young and old, male and female. It has brought death to
the dead and mental illnesses to those who remain. Children have been left orphans, some not
even having any understanding of what is happening. In the effect of the death of their parents,
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orphaned children have struggled to adjust. One example that I witnessed which touched me
was, after losing her father and without having the opportunity to say goodbye, a ten-year-old
girl experiences the shame of bereavement. She kept blaming herself for not being there to take
care of her father. She said every time that maybe if she were there, the father would not have
died. Consequently, without being tended to, the mental state may deteriorate further. In certain
cases, this might last for up to seven years. Another concern is how to explain the scenario
around the deadly virus to youngsters. There is no comprehension as to why their loved ones
were taken away. To make an effort to assist these youngsters, it is critical to provide them with
counseling. And this is exactly where these foundations come in.
4. PBS News hour segment
US ban on Russian energy products to drive oil prices to new highs in near term
09 Mar, 2022
It saddens me that so many calamities are occurring all around the world. People are still worried
about climate change in light of the current war between Russia and Ukraine. The rise in energy
prices, on the other hand, has been a cause of contention. There is no task that can be done
without energy. When the price of electricity rises, the price of everything rises as well. People’s
living expenses are skyrocketing. Contrary to popular belief, the price of crude oil has just hit a
new high. The leaders’ efforts to convince their constituents that they would be able to cope with
growing prices are inadequate. Several processes have been taken to remedy the issue;
nonetheless, it is possible that it will take some time. Furthermore, I believe COVID 19 has left a
significant imprint on economies all around the globe. It will be difficult to cope with energy
costs while healing from the scar.
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EU wants to end golden passport schemes to target Russian oligarchs
Mar 28, 2022
Isn’t it fascinating how the wealthy may get citizenship? Imagine being able to proclaim yourself
a citizen of every nation you visit just because of your money. This is accomplished via the
golden passport schemes. In 2020, the European Commission initiated infringement proceedings
against Cyprus and Malta over their golden passport systems, and the Russian conflict in Ukraine
has heightened the emphasis on the issue. The whole world is focused on the conflict between
Russia and Ukraine, with the goal of punishing those responsible. According to the EU’s
executive arm, governments should now examine whether to remove golden passports awarded
to such persons. Furthermore, it advocated for the prompt revocation of residency cards issued
under an investment program to Russian or Belarusian people who support the conflict or are
sanctioned.
Communities are embracing ‘controlled burns’ to protect themselves
Mar 27, 2022
I feel that inhabitants in places prone to fire breakouts in the United States have had enough of
the turmoil. The last few years have seen a record number of wildfires throughout the United
States. Decades of fire suppression have resulted in overgrown woods, and a changing climate
has increased the severity and frequency of flames. Christopher Booker reports from California
on community-led attempts to ignite controlled fires ahead of time, lowering the chance of big
out-of-control fires while simultaneously restoring the forest’s ecological health. Even I would
not have this in my vision. I believe this has arisen as a result of the many fires that have
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occurred in the surrounding regions, and it is causing grave concern among those who own
property in the vicinity. This would be very beneficial to the affected communities.
How Houston has transformed its airports into hubs for art
Mar 27, 2022
I feel that art is not for everyone. Only a few people are gifted with the ability to create work that
is both beautiful and meaningful. A mural at the local library, a sculpture in a park, or a plaza
downtown may come to mind when you think of public art. But what about when you get to the
airport? When passengers arrive at Houston’s Hobby Airport’s main terminal, they are welcomed
with a piece of art. People at the airport, I believe, may experience it in a variety of ways. It
might be a very personal form of reflection on the current present moment in which they find
themselves at that very exact point in time. It might also motivate children to think about greater
issues that are going on in the globe right now. I never considered my job being at an airport, but
I love that it is. And I like it when airports have excellent public art collections because we spend
so much time in airports, and it can make that time much more meaningful.
When it comes to sucking up carbon emissions, ‘the ocean has been forgiving.’ That might not
last
Mar 25, 2022
Global warming, I feel, is a crisis that the whole globe is experiencing. A problem that does not
seem to have a viable solution. Despite the fact that steps are being done, there are still actions
that are exacerbating the problem. It seems to me to be a never-ending vicious loop. Despite this,
the earth is battling to preserve its natural equilibrium in the face of indiscriminate usage of fossil
fuels. Human-caused climate change is threatening the ocean’s capacity to govern itself, and
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hence the global ecology. Consider the ocean to be a gradient. Sunlight lights a tiny section of
the ocean’s top before filtering down to the ocean’s pitch-black depths, some 1,000 meters below.
A huge, gloomy mid-water region teems with life that separates these two extremes.
Stephen Wilhite, inventor of the GIF format, has died
Mar 24, 2022
GIFs, in my opinion, are quite useful. The information is conveyed well despite its short length
and limited storage space. I thought it was a brilliant concept. Even though Stephen is no longer
with us, he has left an indelible impression on the world. Everyone’s dreams come true. I’d want
to leave such a renowned legacy in my name. Will we ever stop using GIFs, I mean? GIFs have
become ubiquitous in memes and on social media decades after their invention, often employed
as a satirical portrayal of a cultural event.
How Poland has become ‘the frontline of the NATO alliance’
Mar 25, 2022
Well, I feel that with the end of the Cold War and Poland’s membership to NATO, they have
effectively become the NATO alliance’s front line and the key to security for the whole alliance.
As a result, they think that shifting the US military presence that had previously been in
Germany and other areas to the west will necessitate transferring those forces farther east, where
the danger is most likely to emerge. And, indeed, we’ve seen in the last month that they’re
correct. That is where the greatest danger to NATO is coming from. In reality, I believe the
enhanced number of US forces in Poland will remain for the foreseeable future.
5. Starbucks case questions
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Kevin Johnson is the current CEO of Starbucks Corporation. Starbucks Corporation is a
coffeehouse and roaster reserve international corporation located in Seattle, Washington. It is the
biggest coffeehouse chain in the world. The corporation has 33,833 outlets in 80 countries as of
November 2021, 15,444 of which were in the United States. Starbucks was concerned at one
time about the “commoditization” of its brand and the “watering down” of its original aim
(Musonera). This is in the face of poised rivals who are in a great position to entice SB’s devoted
clients.
Rapid expansion had an influence on quality. The company began to see symptoms of market
saturation, with sales and transactions per location declining. Starbucks’ primary rivals include
Caribou Coffee, Peet’s Coffee and Tea, Dunkin Donuts, McDonalds (McCafe), and local mom
and pop’s. Starbucks’ cost-cutting initiatives included the closure of 600+ underperforming
outlets and the layoff of 1000+ staff. SB’s efforts at huge growth and producing new value
innovation were the main problems it faced.
The urge to grow may lead the organization to become too exposed, jeopardizing its capacity to
adjust. New entrants into the industry, such as McDonald’s, provide a new potential danger of
competition, albeit it is unclear if they compete in the same market. Similarly, there have been a
number of issues with Starbucks, an American coffee business and coffeehouse chain.
Public and employee criticism has been leveled at the retailer from around the world, with
concerns ranging from tax evasion in Europe to anti-competitive practices in the United States,
human rights concerns in a number of countries, and labor concerns involving union busting,
questions about pay equity, and ethics in African partnerships.
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SB is a well-known restaurant chain that serves a wide range of coffees and snacks to go with it.
Customers prefer SB’s coffee above other brands and yet are willing to pay a relatively high price
for just a cup because the brand is so well-known. Although, at a previous annual conference,
representatives from a national activist organization forced SB’s CEO, Mr. S, to consider coffee
bean farmers.
SB is having difficulty dealing with the issue of fair trade.
The main issues for SB are that it must continue to provide fantastic and high-quality coffee to
its satisfied clients. Regardless of price or source, the business acquires its beans in order to
make the ideal cup of coffee to satisfy the customer (Argenti, P. A. 2015). The corporation has
still not considered the overall circumstances and economic hardship of a farmer in an African
country who keeps growing coffee beans but does not receive his fair share and is perpetually
trapped in the poverty cycle.
Second, SB is facing resistance from non-profit organizations in order to comply with fair trade,
which requires the company to buy coffee beans directly from farmers with little involvement
from middlemen. This is due to the fact that this type of acquisition will end up making farmers
financially stable, and his life would be secured by consistent and high earnings from SB.
Thus, SB must deal with the issues mentioned above, while also maintaining business operations
that fit and motivate the effective operation of all responsibilities. SB is having a difficult time
dealing with fair exchange and the resistance of activists who advocate for farmer progress.
6. The Coors case questions
Brewing companies in the United States consolidated as a result of dropping beer prices, rising
input costs, more distinctiveness and increased promotion. As demand for beer increased in
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tandem with rising input costs, bigger brewers were able to resist the downward pressure on beer
prices by extending their distribution networks and expanding their market. To save
transportation expenses, they also created additional distribution hubs.
Aside from advertising and segmentation, the major brewers sought to differentiate themselves
via packaging and branding. Following World War II, and with the introduction of television,
advertising became more prevalent and aggressive. The Mexican-American community
organized a boycott of Coors beer to protest the company’s treatment of Mexican-Americans
(Brantley, A. P. 2019). The Coors Brewing Company’s discriminatory policies towards Hispanics
and African Americans prompted these two Hispanic organizations to call for a boycott of the
company.
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References
Argenti, P. A. (2015). Corporate communication. McGraw-Hill Higher Education.
Brantley, A. P. (2019). “Shouldn’t You Be Boycotting Coors?” Ephemera, Boycotting
Counterpublics, and the Campaign against Coors Beer. Radical History Review, 2019(134),
142-167.
Musonera, E. STRATEGIC MARKETING CASE ANALYSIS: STARBUCKS.
COM 3068 OUTLINE
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List of 18-21 beautiful things for which you are grateful
NYT responses
Responses to 2 segments of CBS Sunday Morning airing this March
Creating a legacy with “King Richard” is a major concern for actor Will Smith, 13th of March, 2022.
COVID has left mental scars on many children, and we want to help them recover, 20th of March, 2022
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PBS News hour
US ban on Russian energy products to drive oil prices to new highs in near term. 09 Mar, 2022
EU wants to end golden passport schemes to target Russian oligarchs. Mar 28, 2022
Communities are embracing ‘controlled burns’ to protect themselves. Mar 27, 2022
How Houston has transformed its airports into hubs for art. Mar 27, 2022
When it comes to sucking up carbon emissions, ‘the ocean has been forgiving.’ That might not last. Mar 25, 2022
Stephen Wilhite, inventor of the GIF format, has died. Mar 24, 2022
How Poland has become ‘the frontline of the NATO alliance’. Mar 25, 2022
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Starbucks case questions
Coors case
How Coors treats its employees
The boycott over inequality and discrimination
MODULE 1
Seven Responses to New York Times and/or PSB Newshour Segments
1. Russia Intensifies Censorship Campaign, Pressuring Tech Giants (Feb. 26, 2022)
In reaction to the written post, I was curious as to why Moscow’s authorities are ratcheting up
their internal censorship effort by squeezing some of the world’s greatest IT firms. As previously
stated, Russian legislation mandates IT businesses to establish legal organizations in the country.
On the insight regarding this matter, the so-called landing legislation renders them more subject
to the Russian legal system and censorship demands. So, Google, Apple, and others have been
informed that they must comply with a new rule, which would leave them more open to
censorship requests from the Kremlin. But why is Russia slowing connections and restricting
Facebook access? As a result, human rights and civil society organizations have cautioned that
creating a stronger local presence exposes corporations to government harassment. This is the
circumstance that puts internet companies in a dilemma, trapped between their public support for
free communication and privacy and their operations in authoritarian states. It has forced them to
choose between keeping their services available in Russia and leaving entirely.
2. How businesses are handling vaccine rules with no federal mandates (February 16,
2022)
Because of the Covid-19 outbreak, a problem impeded the flow of the whole economy. In my
opinion, firms should adopt day-to-day health standards as they welcome changes in
fundamental organizational direction. They were required to take Covid-19 doses, which of them
did. As a result, the federal government officially required that all businesses with more than 100
employees adopt a “vaccination or test” program. So thus, many companies breathed a sigh of
relief. Others, including business organizations and conservative state attorneys, were opposed to
the regulation. Some were afraid that requiring vaccinations would exacerbate present labor
shortages, or that testing unvaccinated persons would increase the cost on both employers and
employees. Other firms found the regulation unnecessary because the great majority of their
employees were already inoculated.
3. IMF projects slower growth for world economy as inflation rises (January 25, 2022)
My opinion here is that if inflation rises, the IMF anticipates slower growth since the
Covid-19 outbreak has an influence on all economic growth and has diminished the flow of
economic trends. In addition, the US sector is grappling with supply-chain restrictions that
prevent enterprises from fulfilling customer orders, as well as the Federal Reserve’s projected
decision to boost interest rates to calm the highest year-over-year inflation in four decades. As a
result, for the time being, because the epidemic has not been eradicated, inflation continues to
fluctuate and impair the economic situation, as seen by the International Monetary Fund’s latest
growth estimates.
4. Asian-owned businesses say they’re reeling from hate and violence, operating in fear
(April 19, 2021)
In reality, companies were in chaos during these days. As we have seen, some firms cease
operations as a result of the pandemic. The issue here is that goods prices are high, and there
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are high rates of unemployment, which has resulted in few clients to cater to, and they are
finding it difficult to obtain things they normally buy owing to price increases. This became
the business people’s worst fear. COVID-19 (coronavirus disease) is no exception. The fact is
more unpleasant, as national governments and diverse sectors assess healthcare access and
economic and social effects based on limited and increasing information. It’s a governance
issue with long-term consequences for communities and companies. They must also account
for social behavior.
5. Omicron casts shadow over economy’s pandemic recovery (December 21, 2021)
Anxiety has begun to erode some people’s and companies’ desire to continue on as normal in
the face of the virus’s exceptionally infectious omicron strain, which has quickly become the
prevalent variant in the United States. People, on the other hand, continue to travel, spend, and
mingle as usual, but with a cautious wait-and-see attitude. Vacationing by plane is still a popular
option. However, based on my observations, despite the expansion of the omicron version, many
enterprises, including stores and restaurants, are still doing well. It’s a shame that omicron has
yet to keep a large number of people away from cinemas. At the same time, no one knows what
omicron will eventually imply for the health of Global markets, which have been on a roller
coaster of ups and downs since early 2020. Will omicron trigger breakouts at industries and
ports, interrupt operations, and intensify distribution network constraints that have driven up
prices and led to the highest inflation in years in the United States?
6. Biden raises automobile fuel-economy standards to fight climate change (December
20, 2021)
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According to my observations, we are adopting strong and stringent regulations to eliminate
pollution that harms people and the environment. The West Virginia senator once said he couldn’t
support the comprehensive plan, which includes a slew of climate ideas. Why? Maybe it was too
costly and risked adding to the government’s debt. Despite the motor industry’s opposition, the
legislation will reduce air and environmental pollution. It is true that taking action is a big step
toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution while also improving lung health.
As a result, while environmental and health organizations lauded the new laws, the industry
association representing the majority of automobiles was wary. In reality, the most effective
method to combat climate change is to cut emissions of planet-warming greenhouse gasses.
7. How rising prices affect people differently, and what it says about the economy
(November 29, 2021)
In my situation, as the virus spreads over the world, I’ve noticed that market prices for
commodities grow, and I’ve had little choice but to accept that my financial resources must be
stretched as I budget. Prices, in my opinion, will continue to rise. Inflation and the
unemployment rate are two popular indicators used to assess the health of the economy. While
inflation has risen, the jobless rate has decreased. As a result, the cost of unemployment to the
unemployed is far greater than the cost of inflation. However, the impact of unemployment is felt
solely by those who are unemployed, while inflation may be felt by everyone, which can often
lead to a misperception of the economy. Some of the price hikes consumers are experiencing
right now might be attributed to the economy’s recovery from the pandemic.
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References
Satariano, A., (2022, February 26), 1.
Russia Intensifies Censorship Campaign, Pressuring
Tech Giants, The New York Times.
https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/26/technology/russia-censorship-tech.html
Grabenstein, H., (2022, February 16), How businesses are handling vaccine rules with no
federal mandates, PBS Newshour,
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/how-businesses-are-handling-vaccine-rules-with-no-federa
l-mandates
Wiseman, P., (2022, January 25), IMF projects slower growth for world economy as inflation
rises, PBS Newshour,
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/imf-projects-slower-growth-for-world-economy-as-inflatio
n-rises
Ramachandran, V., (2021, April 19), RAsian-owned businesses say they’re reeling from hate
and violence, operating in fear, PBS Newshour,
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https://www.pbs.org/newshour/economy/asian-owned-businesses-say-theyre-reeling-from-hate-a
nd-violence-operating-in-fear
Wiseman, P., & D’Innocenzio, A., (2021, December 21), Omicron casts shadow over
economy’s pandemic recovery, PBS Newshour,
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/economy/omicron-casts-shadow-over-economys-pandemic-recov
ery
Daly, M., (2021, December 20), Biden raises automobile fuel-economy standards to fight
climate change, PBS Newshour,
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/biden-raises-automobile-fuel-economy-standards-to-fightclimate-change
Jones, C., (2021, November 29), How rising prices affect people differently, and what it says
about the economy, PBS Newshour,
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/economy/how-rising-prices-affect-people-differently-and-what-itsays-about-the-economy
5
FYI: A great program with new access from PBS AMERICAN EXPERIENCE:
http://links.americanexperience.wgbh.org/e/evib?_t=d580955bad7c4746b6352c3f5498d530&_m=ae
346f38c70845d884862814b7b6d099&_e=uEnPTLr98EVv0zTIchETkJRhsZ43L4KyaARtDpzLrPsePKtYvX3iagflCkCRYY8_Up2vHLCP7a0xrFajisCCeY9ht6OkcqsUg2tfuhj6XRkC–iZunk87ilMKEuVCX7
It’s not required for this module but is a great way to inform your thinking about crisis. Other episodes
of this series that I have seen have been fascinating.
Home Stretch in April/May.: The “Bring It’ Module
LLopez S2022 Module 3 Comm 3068
The long form here is a teaching guide; a checklist will follow. The emphasis this time is on
tapping more new resources and responding and then doing more case analysis. There is
some scope for choice this time, but the 3 main cases will likely take the most time: (1) Meta
or Boeing in the news and on PBS & Netflix (2) CocaCola India in our textbook or E. Holmes &
Theranos on Hulu and 2 podcasts (3) Disney in Virginia in our textbook (though you should
follow current coverage of Disney, too, as their management decisions don’t always meet the
magic). ^signals please do this for your module.
*****NOTE: ^Again, I need to see in the message that brings your module on May 15th (by 9
a.m.) that all of the work is your own. You can do additional reading, research if you wish—
it’s not required as doing your own thinking is paramount here. But if you do go to other
sources, cite them. It’s best practice and, even in the workplace, not doing that can have real
consequences. NO LATE SUBMISSIONS. I’m giving you maximum time and this 3rd, highestcounting module hits near graduation and our summer plans & mindsets. Early submissions
encouraged.
>For parts one and two of module 3, I want you to respond to some special resources, adding
a bit more depth to these than some of you have done with responses in earlier modules. If
you got an A+ on previous modules, you’re already there with a good level of depth. But it’s
not length that does it—it’s content, thinking that counts.
>Part 1 begins with one of my favorite writers, posted earlier but this time for ^response:
https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/21/opinion/dolly-parton-rock-hall-offame.html?campaign_id=39&emc=edit_ty_20220321&instance_id=56287&nl=opiniontoday®i_id=50845516&segment_id=86098&te=1&user_id=2f69198248497b33261feb5b99
a5f38c
Also make note of her 2 book titles. If you ever want to give the gift of a signed first edition,
Alabama Booksellers is one source of some titles (and I’ve found both of MR’s signed there).
A signed first edition makes a beautiful gift, and they offer a lot of titles in history and sports
as well as fiction. It is one of those gifts that keeps on giving as such books are often passed
along to family and our best friends. If you get on their mailing list, you’ll be notified when
they have new titles for sale. You can opt for media mail (free shipping not a feature) but, as
advertised, each book is carefully wrapped, which is not always the case from some other
sellers I’ve used. And you’ll be supporting an independent bookshop.
When readings resume at places like Barnes & Noble where I’ve had the opp to meet many
favorite writers, it’s a better investment not to have your book personalized when it’s signed
unless you just prefer to do that. When my husband and I met a mutual favorite author, the
famous travel writer, Bill Bryson, there some years ago, I nervously pondered what I could say
to him in the couple of minutes I would have while he signed quite a few books for us. I’d read
he doesn’t like to do such readings and signings. And when my turn came, I just spoke from
my heart and said, “Mr. Bryson, your work means a lot to people.” And he stopped signing
and looked up, and I knew the right words had come to me. Years earlier, in the Cambridge
MA Public Library, I met Isabel Allende. I was so thrilled to be speaking with her that I didn’t
remember to ask her not to personalize my book. And she wrote, “To Linda, good luck with
love.” And right after that, yes, the famous meeting of my husband on the subway. I am so
grateful that dating sites weren’t a thing then. An algorithm would have never put us
together. We are opposites in so many ways, and I’m not sure he’s joking when he said he
was taught growing up never to go south of NJ. And think about it: the whole business model
of dating sites is about having you remain on the site, searching searching . . .
>I want you to be familiar with the NYT’s features, The Weekender, the current one below,
and Wirecutter, a trusted site for product reviews which offers the actual information we
need about products unlike so much of advertising. A favorite Wirecutter segment reviewed
teas (& I am a huge fan of herbal teas), and here’ the link for Weekender. ^Respond to one of
these pieces from Weekender, each of which hopes to woo you with an interesting photo,
and find a product of current interest to you, whether or not this is the time to buy, on
Wirecutter and respond to that one too. You may want to wait for Wirecutter to update in
March and April on the 100-most-popular-picks:
https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-teas/?searchResultPosition=1
https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/lists/100-most-popular-picks-february2022/?searchResultPosition=2
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2022/03/18/briefing/theweekender.html?searchResultPosition=1
>Though you should follow the high-stakes coverage of the crisis of climate change on a
regular basis, I will take ^one close reading of one article with a corresponding in-depth
response. It’s important for you to know these names, Bill McKibbon and Elizabeth Kolbert.
Here’s one example. You can respond to this one or another by either of them:
https://link.newyorker.com/view/5be9f5f13f92a40469302565f6yev.bhj4/3e1b6a4c
>And a reflection on teaching a child music with quite the astounding video. Can A&E be
more powerful in getting out the word on climate change? ^Please read, watch, listen and
respond:
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2021/10/27/opinion/tom-morello-teaching-guitarmusic.html?searchResultPosition=2
>Part 2: Get some background on high-profile crisis cases in the news for some years now. In
the case of Facebook, learn about the troubles leading to the name change to Meta. In crisisand reputation-management counsel, often changing your name is listed as tactic of last
resort. PBS programs are known for their trustworthy reporting, clarity, access, and
presentation of multiple perspectives. In the case of Boeing, a change in management and
mindset had devastating consequences. ^So begin with PBS programming here and find and
follow current news coverage of either Meta or Boeing and write an analytic response,
making note of decisions re: policy, procedures, accountability when problems surfaced, and
costs (including those that can be calculated and those beyond numerical calculation). Culture
also counts as policies and procedures flow from cultures, ways of living and working:
https://links.email.frontline.org/e/evib?_t=ec9a748e11b34be3aa80cccb4178b3dd&_m=b68edab70214
46089841257060ad439c&_e=Th-fHau2AxmLhpJDvX4g0mAqTcTs5hq636wdID1L9gEj_WmbJ3GYaNyhbrMVfmf2xuluMdLo7pQxcSijIB-tYvHxDUlSJVQ9ubzPoEyWDhRvCkujZ8cp_thqPE4tmmD
For those of you with access to Netflix, I recommend the documentary on Boeing, Downfall.
As I key this course doc, another Boeing crash is in the news.
>Part 3: Much as you did for Module 2 with CBS Sunday Morning (which I do hope you’ll
continue to watch, learn from, and enjoy as you can), ^sample two segments of Amanpour &
Co. and write in-depth responses. Choose current interviews from this spring. Choose
interviews/topics involving crisis, which most segments involve. All segments can be accessed
on the Amanpour & Co. program site and you can request an email from the program alerting
you to the list of guests each weekday. Make particular note of the kinds of questions the hosts
pose as you can learn a lot from that aspect of the program alone.
>Part 4: Internal Communication
Read chapter 7 counsel but we won’t do the chapter case this time. I will separately post
course documents with samples of internal communications family and friends have
shared with me and share some favorite resources. So much is changing in terms of
counsel here due to many professionals working from home. Workplace designs are
changing, preferences for channels, new challenges in balancing work and personal life.
^Two things this time: (1) You’ll collect five articles of this nature from the NYT (March-May) and/or PBS Newshour segments and write an in-depth response for each. (2) You’ll
access a course doc, Five Functions of Internal Communication and respond to questions
guiding you to make a personal plan involving each function. In recent terms, these
personal plans have been so interesting, even moving, as they require self-reflection and
a look at your goals.
>Part 5: Crisis Communication: A Case Analysis
Read chapter 10 counsel and the related course docs which will post with additional
counsel. Then do ^ONE crisis case analysis (1) First option: the Coca-Cola India case
questions in our textbook, responding in-depth to each.
>>>As background on crisis structure and issues, traditionally in pre-covid days, 3068
sections watched parts of the films, OPEN WATER and THE IMPOSSIBLE, both available
through your public library and THE IMPOSSIBLE streaming on Hulu (available through
free trial if that’s feasible and already accessible, I’m told, to students who have Spotify
accounts). I think you’ll benefit from seeing both in their entirety, but see at least the
first hour of each if you can. If that’s not possible, read a review of each film, preferring
NYT and Ebert Digital Reviews. It’s a best practice to read credible reviews as they add
rich context to the viewing experience. The late Roger Ebert wrote the review of OPEN
WATER. One term, a 3068 student was amazed to realize that he knew the female lead,
and he texted her that we “were watching her movie.” The two lead actors amazingly
went into the water with real sharks. The filmmakers described this unforgettable lowbudget film as their “home movie.” It truly is worth the time, though it’s slow paced and
ultimately terrifying. Here’s the Ebert review, but do, if you can, see the film before
reading the review:
https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/open-water-2004
As others have posted, I’m amazed many people have posted negative comments about
the film, though I agree completely with one person who put that down to the film
making us confront primal fears. But one of the most useful things about watching this
film while also reading crisis management/communication counsel is not covered in
reviews that I’ve seen. It’s a film based on true events, what happened to the actual
couple imagined. In the film, there is shared responsibility for the tragedy. The couple is
self-absorbed, and I would say rude, as they are guests in another country and not
taking an interest beyond their immediate recreational pleasure. My husband and I
don’t dive, but if we did, we’d have been missed if we hadn’t gotten back on the dive
boat with the others. Though we both love Caribbean experiences and cultures, my
husband is utterly obsessed. He’d have been full of questions for the diveboat crew and
others on board. He’d have been missed at once. People would have already promised
him their special recipes for Rum Punch and their recommendations for best beaches
and restaurants. They’d have already heard all about the Caribbean dishes he cooks for
us at home and on such trips. His excitement would have been infectious. He’s also
pretty cute. People would have been looking for him.
One of my favorite travel writers, Bill Bryson, in one of devoted fans’ favorite books re:
Australia, In a Sunburned Country, writes about overhearing people discuss the real
couple, noting that the young man who did not return was suffering from depression
and had spoken about taking her with him when he ended it all. And other accounts
backed that up . . . qhich leads me to ask you to pay particular attention to a reporter
that covered the tragedy at Columbine and realized later that he and others, without
intention to fabricate or mislead, had reported things about that crisis which were not
true. He explains why and how that happens—the need for the unspeakable to
somehow make sense–and makes the point that as crisis consumers, so to speak, we
need to follow the trail of crises long term, to know the actual facts and to learn from
them:
https://www.nytimes.com/2012/07/22/opinion/sunday/the-unknown-why-in-theaurora-killings.html?searchResultPosition=15
So armed with that background information and the crisis-chapter counsel, again ^do
either the CocaCola India case in the textbook OR take the 2nd option: (2) analyze the
Elizabeth Holmes/Theranos case, the dramatized version of the story recently begun on
Hulu, though starting with the Hulu documentary, The Inventor, needs to come first.
There will be a course doc with guiding questions. This case is predicted to be taught in
business schools for many years to come. I found the best information on the podcast,
Bad Blood: Final Chapter hosted by the author of the book, Bad Blood.
>Part 6: Government Relations
Read Chapter 9 counsel and then the Disney case. But this time instead of responding to
the questions, ^you’ll do a real-world application. You’ll imagine you work at Disney and
have Eisner’s ear. He’s making a big decision at the end of this case: whether or not to
continue with his plan to build a Civil War-themed park in VA. There is no Disney park in
VA—but there could have been.
You’ll make an argument to Eisner to do one of three things:
(1) continue with the plan despite the protests, counting on Disney magic
(2) forget it & eat losses (which is what they did),
(3) OR formulate a Plan B, bringing in representative protestors to come up with a new
plan, including a different idea you envision.
There will be separate course docs guiding you in your thinking about Disney’s appeal,
Disney magic. There will be some classic communication counsel in another course doc.
There will be some thought questions specific to the culture of Virginia and the
revelation of how I met my husband. And recall I’m a native daughter of VA so I really
want you to visit my home, so to speak, and then practice a pitch to an executive –
because one day you may have the chance to do something like this in the workplace.
Between lst and 2nd years of my daughter’s required summer internship for her MBA,
she did these pitches weekly. And even though she was an intern, they were taken
seriously.
Note: This is a challenging module, requiring you to focus. So allow reading and thinking
time. Please submit the module with the pieces in the order given here as my brain
adjusts for reading them that way—and there are quite a few of you. When doing the
case analyses, as before, imagine that you work there and thus have a significant stake
in their doing the right things. After I have read all Module 3s, I will post a Disney debrief
in a limited window to describe what they actually did—and the reasons they gave.
I will again be posting additional samples relevant to these topics as we move through
April and May, just giving you additional things to think about, aerobics for our brains
and maybe a little food for our souls. Though with all my heart, I wish I didn’t need to
add this caution, I do advise starting as soon as you can as any of us, including me, could
get sick, though heaven forbid. Do continue taking covid-mitigation precautions as we
don’t know what a potential uptick might bring. By May, we will all be so ready for
summer pleasures and want to be well.
***Not required for module response but an interesting, insightful article on mental-health
aftermaths of covid and the grieving process from TIME:
https://view.newsletters.time.com/?qs=3a2f9c950c977071b784b14a4e6c1564745c66125153b
c695a5468efaec8f49de947d0e2402c6c3d3a5d8fbcbc482c495b00eadd036628a19cb5530b9e44
22019278d3df249bdb0ded2a55a74be72462