Summary: The Tylenol Murders

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The Tylenol Murders What might have been the consequences if Johnson & Johnson had decided to “tough out” the first reports of Tylenol-related deaths and not recall the product? Quite honestly the company would be in ruins and unable to repair their already tarnished image. Though the company produces other products, there would be the consequences of losing loyal consumers and relationships would suffer with focal businesses such as hospitals and distribution centers. In addition, the company would need to reduce labor/employees to maintain a positive balance sheet. The economy would suffer due to the unemployment rate and the company would also suffer due to loss of stocks and public interest. The following article supports how Johnson …show more content…

Research attitudes about the issue at hand; Action. Identify action of the client in the public interest. Communication. Communicate that action to gain understanding, acceptance, and support. Evaluation. Evaluate the communication to see if opinion has been influenced.” (Seitel, Fraser P. 2014) Johnson & Johnson’s first reaction was about the community, the issue at hand, and the action took place. The company continued to act accordingly to public concern, in which reward of $100,000 was posted for any information leading to the arrest(s) of the responsible person(s). Tylenol created an advertising campaign advising that they would exchange the capsules for tablets at their cost. The company even continued with further evaluation by producing a new three step safety process to protect consumers and ensuring the product that was being consumed was safe. Johnson & Johnson (Tylenol) continued with statements to the media to show concern for the welfare of the public and their continued investigation into the …show more content…

How might the results have differed if the crises occurred today? The environment of the media was explosive. Johnson & Johnson was at the time and continues to be a high profile company and their chairperson, James E. Burke, as noted, has been with the company for almost 30 years. There was never a reason he needed to appear in the public as address concerns over a product until this incident. He was now thrusted into the limelight to defend their product and its company by addressing reporters from all over the world. James Burke followed the following rules of public relations; “To inform; To persuade, To motivate and To build mutual understanding”. (Seitel, Fraser P. 2014) One cannot imagine what his thoughts were, but to be calm enough to thoroughly think through a process is truly commendable. See what information Johnson & Johnson offers for its customers on the Tylenol website (www.tylenol.com). Follow the links to the Care Cards, House Calls, and FAQ sections. How do these sections demonstrate Johnson & Johnson’s concern for customers? How do you think Johnson & Johnson would use this website to communicate with the public if new health scares

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