Question

a company that faced controversy due to its business communication. Examples: a company displayed controversial advertising that some found offensive. A senior official made statements that were perceived offensive. A tweet was accidentally blasted publicly that was offensive. An internal document surfaced that was demeaning to a gender/race/culture/class, etc. talk about the company's controversial business communication, the reaction from the public, the damage control performed by the company, and the lasting repercussions of the company's actions.

• Were you offended by the communication?
• What could the company have done differently?
• What would you have done if you were the CEO?

Answer 1

An incident of offensive communication involved a well known clothing brand, which used illustrations of relgious figures and deities from Hinduism on the doormats. This was considered offensive by the followers of the religion because placing the deities at an object that is frequently used to absorb dust and dirt was considered to be their disregard. Being a practitioner of Hinduism, it deeply disturbed me.

The company should avoid placing of any religious figures on its product to avoid hurting sentiments of the followers. The design and production department should take care of this. If someone has done it deliberately ( there are people who do this intentionally), the company should tak actions so that it is not repeated again.

If I were the CEO, I should have investigated the matter and found out the inspiration or motive behind the act, and if someone was found to be guilty, I would have taken action aainst him /her. I would have instructed the head of creative cell / designing department to make sure that the designs don't have any controversial elements which might hurt the sentiments of people belonging to a cast, creed, faith, race, ethnicity or followers of a religious belief, to avoid offending anyone and staying clear of controversy