Speaking out About Malt

Case Study:  Speaking Out About Malt

Anita Chambliss

University of the Potomac

Abstract

Executives know the importance of their companies’ reputations and many will do almost anything to protect.  Firms believe that if they have positive reputations that they attract more quality of applicants.  With a positive reputation it is also believed that customers are more loyal and buy broader ranges of products and services.  With negativity coming from within to the public, the reputation of the company could be harmed.

        This case study about Mary Davis and Whitewater started out about woman was convinced to take an MBA level class with her husband.  More than likely the reason she decided to do her project on beer and wine was because that is more than likely a strong subject of interest to her being that she is an associate vice president for a brewing company.  

        I can see how Davis was frustrated with the fact that she wrote a paper that was so good that it was seen as worth being published.  As a student that is working and trying to produce writing assignments for a decent grade while maintaining a full time job, it is exciting when I see grades that are good.  When I share my work with people and get praise for it I feel good.  Mary was probably so wrapped up in being excited that she didn’t think about how it would make her CEO feel.

Mary’s loyalty was questioned by the CEO.  I can understand why he felt that way.  Even though many students find it easier to write about topics that they are familiar with in putting together writing assignments that you choose your own topic there still should be some limits to the amount of information being disclosed within the assignment.  Mary wasn’t speaking against her company per say but her CEO saw her as speaking negativity against of the industry in which she works.  Her writing was no different from someone who works for Phillip Morris writing an article about how nicotine is addictive contrary to what the big seven tobacco corporations are saying in congressional hearing. Then argues how people around the world are able to get cigarettes for significantly lower prices in poorer neighborhoods.  As a business owner I would be frustrated as well.  The meaning of loyalty is a strong feeling of support or allegiance.  Her allegiance to her employer was challenged.  Sadly, her friend she confided in even was questioning whether or not she should allow her article to be published.  The way the press attacks information now days her article could be dangerous for the company.  I can see the press running with the fact that she is in an executive position speaking against the industry in which she works and questioning her judgement.  Her CEO was looking after his own interest but he was also indirectly trying to protect her without even knowing it.  I mentioned that she could be seen as hypocritical.  Hypocritical is behaving in way that suggests one has higher standards or more noble beliefs than is the case.  I would ask Mary why she would want to consider remaining employed with Whitewater.   The fact that she is willing to allow her writing that exposes the negative side of the beer and wine industry to be published just sounds crazy to me if she wishes to remain employed and not as a lower level employee but as a Vice President.

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