Both Google and NBC News came under fire this week for their handling of inappropriate workplace behavior thus offering contrasting examples of how to handle a PR crisis. In the article, “PR Lessons from Google’s and NBC’s Contrasting Crisis Responses,” CEO Andy Gilman offers his advice for the two companies.
However, Pichai’s response failed to address the massive severance package Rubin received, and did not specify what the consequences would be for future instances of harassment. It also lacked a sense of remorse or direct apology from the tech leader. And it raised a further question— would Pichai have addressed the issue if the Times hadn’t come out with its report the same day? Andy Gilman, president and CEO of D.C.-based firm CommCore Consulting Group, thinks not.
“Google reportedly fired and disciplined many employees for sexual harassment and other inappropriate conduct,” Gilman told PR News. “While the brand wants its employees to know the company has no tolerance for these behaviors, it’s not dirty laundry you want to air in public unless forced into it.”
…”For NBC, there were few options when a public figure, Megyn Kelly, made such an obvious inflammatory and insensitive remark,” says Gilman. “While her apology seemed sincere, we are in an environment of zero tolerance for off-hand statements. She wasn’t helped by poor ratings of her show and the fact that other NBC employees did not think her apology went far enough.” (Kelly’s NBC colleagues, Al Roker and Savannah Guthrie, criticized her behavior during the 7:00 a.m. “TODAY” segment on Oct. 24).