Komen, social media and an ethical uproar

Uproar as Komen Foundation Cuts Money to Planned Parenthood – NYTimes.com.

We will be talking about the Komen case in terms of strategy in J202, but I’d also like you to think of the ethical dimensions. What differences have you seen in how this played out in news stories vs. communications from Komen and Planned Parenthood vs. posts in social media? How does the idea of objectivity play out in this case? Is it possible to have non-politicized issues in today’s climate?

Brands and responsibility

Nike is taking some hits this week. First, some people called their newest Tiger Woods spot “spooky” and “creepy.”

Now, UW-Madison is killing its licensing contract over sweatshop labor complaints.

UW-Madison to end Nike licensing relationship (April 9, 2010).

How do companies’ labor and other practices affect its brands? Recall our discussion this week about Nestle and social media response to its practices and statements. Do you think social media helped or hurt Nike this week? The Woods ad went viral hugely and quickly. The old adage is: there’s no such thing as bad publicity. Do you agree?