I was so happy when I noticed that the only thing we had to read were the two case studies out of the Center and Jackson textbook. I was not happy because I did not have to read a lot, but I was happy because I feel the first two chapters of that textbook mirrored what I learned/read in public relations class. On the other hand I the case studies are extremely useful, because I get to analyze where public relations specialists went wrong or see exactly what they did right. Therefore when I start my career in public relations I can make sure I do not repeat the same mistakes and I have a guide of how to approach certain situations.
Perhaps if W. R Grace’s Public relations department would have studied a previous, successfully-executed crisis strategy they would have been more successful in shining a positive light on their situation. For example, the Tylenol crisis alone (which happened about five years prior) showed it was a good move to openly communicate with the media, not avoid them. In addition public relations specialists have known for a long time that a proactive approach is far better that a reactive approach. Unfortunately for W. R Grace his public relations department did not get the memo.
