https://academicheroes.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/logo.png00adminhttps://academicheroes.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/logo.pngadmin2020-06-02 13:51:212020-06-02 13:51:21the topic of managerial issues of a networked organization synthesis and summary of the two articles.
Case study 1: COVID-19: how businesses are handling the crisis
By Institute for PR
NEW YORK, NY, March 16, 2020 – More than three-quarters of communication executives (81%) said the communication function has been “important” or “very important” to their company’s COVID-19 response, according to a new study by the Institute for Public Relations and Peppercomm.
In the study, “COVID-19: How Businesses Are Handling the Crisis,” 300 communication executives and senior leaders were surveyed to find out how their companies were faring in the COVID-19 pandemic, including what sources they trust, how prepared they are for the crisis and what their businesses are doing to fight against the disease and resulting panic. Steve Cody, CEO & founder of Peppercomm, said, “There is a pressing need to understand how our country’s top private-sector communicators are coping with this unprecedented calamity.
It’s essential that we share these findings and best practices with others who may be struggling with determining the best way to respond.” More than half (53%) of communication executives said COVID-19 has had a “moderate” or “major” impact on their business operations and expect it to get worse.
Meanwhile, 83% are moderately or extremely concerned about the potential impact. Rob Clark, Chief Communications Officer at Medtronic, was not surprised by these results. “People in our function are being heavily relied on in a time like this,” said Clark. “We are the tip of the spear on this issue and rightfully so.”
WHAT COMMUNICATION LEADERS AND COMPANIES ARE DOING
While three-quarters (75%) of respondents said their communication function was “very involved” in communicating internally, this drops to 58% of respondents saying their communication function was “very involved” in communicating externally. When communicating information about COVID-19, 81% of respondents said employees were a “high” or “essential” priority. Businesses are employing a variety of tools to communicate with their employees, including internal platforms, mobile apps, and hotlines. They have also made efforts to increase sanitation practices, including increasing sanitation stations, safety guidelines, and even some using thermal/temperature scanning to detect illness.
“All of our employees have access to Medtronic’s intranet and the banner right now is our COVID-19 hub,” said Clark. “It provides all the information needed on travel, health, and anything that will help. You can access this from your mobile as well. Nearly half of our company has made use of it making it the most trafficked digital resource we’ve ever had.”
Clark was not surprised that this has been such a valuable resource and feels it is intrinsic to his company’s mission. “This has a personal impact on everyone,” said Clark. “People aren’t sure what to think and what it means for them personally or for their families. So, they’re looking for any guidance on what to do. We as the employer should be providing that.” And the help doesn’t stop there. Companies are stepping up to do their part. More than half (53%) of the respondents said their companies are helping or plan to help those affected by the COVID-19 crisis.
CRISIS PREPAREDNESS
The majority of respondents (85%) felt their organizations are at least “somewhat” prepared for the COVID-19 crisis and 87% said the same about their communication functions. However, there was varied sentiment about how well companies are updating their crisis plans varies. More than half (55%) said they have made good progress on updating their crisis plans or have them fully updated. Nearly one-quarter either had not made progress on updates, had not planned to update, or had no crisis plan at all. More specifically, while 56% had an infectious disease outbreak in their crisis plan, 44% did not.
TRUST IN SOURCES
Health-related agencies were reported to be the most trusted sources of information during the COVID19 crisis. Nearly three-quarters of respondents (71%) have “a lot” of trust in federal agencies, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or National Health Service, and international health organizations, such as the World Health Organization. On the other hand, social media, online health websites (e.g., WebMD), and country leaders (e.g., presidents and prime ministers) were the least trusted sources of information.
For example, 82% of respondents said they had “not much” or no trust in social media. Fifty-six percent reported having “not much” or no trust in country leaders. Only 5% of respondents directed stakeholders to seek additional information from country leaders, while only 2% suggested social media.
“Communicators significantly influence the decisions that organizations make as they serve as connectors among functions and stakeholders,” said Tina McCorkindale, Ph.D., APR, President and CEO of the Institute for Public Relations. “When they turn to trusted sources to help inform their stakeholders and curb disinformation, this has a significant impact not just on the business but society at large as well.”
Reference: Institute for Public Relations. (2020) COVID-19: How Businesses Are Handling The Crisis; Institute for Public relations. Available online file:///Users/ahmedalghadani/Desktop/IPR-Peppercomm-Coronavirus-PR-press-release-3-16-2020-5pm.pdf (Access Date: 27-04-2020)
Case study A- Short Answers (5 Marks X 5Q = 25 Marks)
According to the case study, why do you think it is important to consider the Ministry of Health or health-related agencies to top source of information during the Covid-19 Pandemic? (30-100 Words).
The mini ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
The following extract is from the case study “Businesses are employing a variety of tools to communicate with their employees, including internal platforms, mobile apps, and hotlines,” why do you think the companies choose these channels over other communication ones to interact with their employees and the Public during the Covid-19 Pandemic? (30-100 Words).
What are the communication barriers that people and organizations have during the Covid-19 Pandemic? List these barriers and justify your choice by explaining why they hider the communication? (30-100 Words).
Why do you think the need for Ethical communication and “good conversation” during the Covid-19 crisis is important for both organizations and the society? Explain form ethical standpoint? (30-100 Words).
Case study 2: Starbucks Opens Its First ‘Signing Store’ for US Deaf Community
23/10/ 2018
By Imogen Calderwood
Global coffee chain Starbucks has launched its first store in the US staffed entirely by employees proficient in American Sign Language (ASL). The store, which opened on Tuesday in Washington, DC, has been completely designed with deaf and hard of hearing customers in mind in an effort to “drive greater connection,” according to Starbucks.
And campaigners have hailed the move as a great step in promoting accessibility and offering employment and career advancement opportunities for deaf and hard of hearing people. Howard Rosenblum, CEO of the National Association of the Deaf, said he “applauds” Starbucks for its latest effort, which will see Starbucks hiring 20-25 deaf, hard of hearing, and hearing partners to staff the store.
“Starbucks has taken an innovative approach to incorporating deaf culture that will increase employment opportunities as well as accessibility for deaf and hard of hearing people, while at the same time educating and enlightening society,” he said.
The store, located at 6th & H Street near Gallaudet University, isn’t Starbucks’ first signing store globally however. The first opened in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in 2016, and the team behind the US store has been heavily inspired by the success of the first.
Gallaudet is a significant location, as it’s just down the street from the campus of Gallaudet University — which is the world’s only university uniquely designed to educate deaf and hard-of-hearing students.
“This neighbourhood is one of the most diverse I’ve seen since moving to DC,” said Crystal Harris, a new barista at the store. “I hope the Signing Store will be embraced and accepted by those that live in this community. The fact that it is so close to Gallaudet University makes it that much more special.”
“This is a historic moment in Starbucks’ ongoing journey to connect with the deaf and hard of hearing community, hire and engage deaf and hard of hearing partners, and continue to find ways to be more inclusive, accessible, and welcoming to all,” said Rossann Williams, Starbucks’ executive vice president of US retail, when plans for the store were announced in July.
“This store is truly from partners, for partners, and we couldn’t have gotten here without the team of deaf partners and allies from our accessibility office and the Access Alliance partner network who came together to bring this vision to life,” she said.
As well as only hiring staff who can sign, the store also includes design features such as an open environment for communication and low-glare reflective surfaces, according to Starbucks’ statement.
For customers new to sign language, the store also offers communication options for ordering and receiving beverages at the hand-off counter. At the hand-off counter, for example, a screen notifies customers when their order is ready, including their name and the number of items in their order, according to Starbucks. There’s also a dual keyboard at the counter for back-and-forth exchange between partners and customers if needed.
The hope is that the store will also create learning opportunities for the hearing community, whether it is learning how to sign words like espresso from the “sign of the week” chalkboard, or gaining a greater understanding of the deaf experience, said Starbucks.
Shortly after the plans for the US store were announced, the UK hosted the first-ever global disability summit in London on July 24.
The UK’s secretary of state for international development, Penny Mordaunt, announced the summit in the House of Commons using British Sign Language (BSL).
It made Mordaunt, who is also minister for women and equalities, the first government minister to use sign language in the House of Commons — although Dawn Butler, shadow women and equalities minister, became the first MP to use BSL in the Commons in 2017.
Reference: Calderwood, I. (2018) Starbucks Opens Its First ‘Signing Store’ for US Deaf Community; Global Citizen; Available online https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/starbucks-sign-language-store-washington-dc/ (Access Date: 27-04-2020)
Case study B- Short Answers (5+5+5+3 Marks X 4Q = 18 Marks)
From a communication perspective, is there a need to have a special place like Starbucks “signing store” for “special needs” people? Why? (30-100 Words).
Imagine you are exercising in the neighbourhoodpaved training trail. You were stopped by a person who wants to ask you a question. However, this person is deaf and you did not understand his non-verbal communication. How would you deal with him and what are the techniques you will use to make the communication successful? (30-100 Words).
You are the Marketing Personnel in Starbucks responsible for promoting the new “signing store”, you need to write a short advertisement that will be published in Starbucks’ social media platforms. Write a short ads text to persuade people to visit the store especially neighbouring deaf Community. (3 Marks- 30-50 words minimum)
implement the right 5Cs aspect and proper Business language
Consider the Social media characteristics to increase engagement to persuade the potential customers.
Write a letter to the H.E Qais Mohammed Al Yousuf, Chairman of Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) to present an initiative project which similar to the “signing store’’ of Starbucks. In your letter try to persuade him to support your project and gather potential investor who will implement your idea in reality.
Include all the necessary parts and components of the letter)
https://academicheroes.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/logo.png00adminhttps://academicheroes.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/logo.pngadmin2020-06-02 13:19:032020-06-02 13:19:03COVID-19: how businesses are handling the crisis
