Quick-Cook Ovens: A Public Relations Perspective

Abstract

The product manager is informed by the quality control manager of radiation leakage in the microwave ovens shipped in the last several months that could possibly pose a health hazard to the consumer. If a recall is instituted, a severe loss of consumer confidence could result in a sharp decline in market share. Meanwhile, the cause of the defect has been uncovered, and current units being shipped fall within federal limits. The product manager decides to talk confidentially to an acquaintance in the firm's public relations department before deciding what to do. The case raises issues of "the right thing to do" on the part of both the product manager and the public relations department.