Cs Of Peace Making Student Name Course Instructor Course Tit

4cs Of Peace Makingstudent Namecourse Instructorcourse Titleinstitu

Any company, whether a newly found or well-established organization, can face a public relations disaster. When such a case arises, it is good to hold on and work towards re-establishing the brand. It is difficult to hide from a disaster in the world we are living in that is saturated by media. For example, the partnership of Kendra Jenner with Pepsi caused a public relations disaster based on the incentive approach. PepsiCo was criticized for the commercial video starring Kendall Jenner titled "Live for Now," which aired on the 49th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination. Social media users accused the company of using Black Lives Matter (BLM) for financial gain. The use of tone-deaf also created controversy about the company's approach. The commercial was launched months after the eruption of protests in July 2017, when two black men were shot by police. Jenner walking in front of a police officer and handing him a Pepsi was viewed as a mockery of Leshia Evans, a black woman who stood in front of police silently during a Louisiana protest, and the police arrested her.

To curb the public relations disaster, PepsiCo used the 4Cs of the peacemaking model to resolve the issue as expressed in the PowerPoint presentation writing. First, the company made contact by pulling out the ad the following day; thus, they were proactive by acknowledging the issue. The company communicated by saying that the ad intended to convey peace, unity, and understanding to the globe. The company also made an apology for compromising the position of Kendall Jenner. Secondly, the company cooperated with its customer base, which revealed a high level of honesty. People reacted negatively to the ad, and the company came out clear and took out the ad proving to cooperate with society. Taking out the ad enhanced the public relations that the company’s commercial had just spoiled. In addition, the company facilitated communication by coming out clear that they may have missed the point and were apologetic about it. Communicating to the public about the misunderstanding was a thumbs up to the company and helped rebuild the lost relationship. “This has pained me a lot because this company is known for diversity, and the fact that everybody who produced the commercial and approved the commercial did not link it to Black Lives Matter made me scratch my head," Nooyi said.

Lastly, the company enhanced conciliation by rectifying the problem. The commercial ad was removed a day after its release. There was a clear way to rectify the mistake due to a misunderstanding. After rectifying the issue, PepsiCo reconciled with a large percentage of its customers and target audience. Public relation was rebuilt through the 4Cs of peacemaking.

Social exchange theory proposes that social behavior results from an exchange program. The exchange program aims to maximize benefits and minimize costs with people as benefits holders. Companies should use social norms to their advantage to improve their public relations. It is where a company understands its target social groups and the standards they uphold. Companies upholding the reciprocity norm enhance fair and smooth social exchanges, which promote public relations.

Companies will build great brands adhering to these social responsibilities and social norms. Engaging in social responsibility facilitates the company to cooperate with individuals to benefit the larger community. In conclusion, organizations must build and maintain a positive image with the public to enhance a conducive working environment. A company's public relations team should make background checks and work closely with the marketing department to avoid such scenarios as the one on PepsiCo and Jenner Kendall. In case the unexpected happens, the public relations team must use the 4Cs of peacemaking associated with social norms, social responsibility, and social exchange to resolve the disaster and get back on track.

Paper For Above instruction

Public relations crises can significantly impact organizations, especially when missteps resonate negatively with the public. The case of PepsiCo's controversial Kendall Jenner commercial exemplifies how corporations can face backlash due to insensitivity or misjudged messaging. Applying the 4Cs of peacemaking—Contact, Cooperation, Communication, and Conciliation—provides a structured approach to crisis resolution and reputation repair. This essay explores how PepsiCo employed these principles to address the crisis effectively and how social exchange theory and social norms underpin successful public relations strategies.

First, the principle of Contact involves proactive engagement to acknowledge the issue. After the backlash, PepsiCo swiftly withdrew the ad, demonstrating an acknowledgment of the public’s concerns. This immediate action aligns with the concept of Contact by establishing an initial connection and showing willingness to address the problem. By removing the commercial, PepsiCo signaled accountability and respect for public sentiment. The ad's withdrawal not only prevented further damage but also initiated the process of rebuilding trust, which is vital in crisis management.

Second, Cooperation pertains to transparency and working collaboratively with stakeholders. PepsiCo's public apology and clarification about the ad’s intent exemplify this principle. The company admitted that it might have missed the mark and expressed remorse, fostering an environment of openness. Cooperation in crisis situations involves engaging with affected parties—consumers, advocacy groups, and the broader community—and demonstrating sincerity in restoring goodwill. Such transparency helps mitigate suspicion and demonstrates a commitment to social responsibility, which can salvage brand reputation.

Third, effective Communication is crucial for crisis resolution. PepsiCo’s messaging clarified that their intention was to promote peace and unity, although they acknowledged the misinterpretation. Transparent and honest communication played a central role in mending the relationship with their audience. Clear communication about actions taken—like removing the ad—and expressing regret allowed PepsiCo to control the narrative and counter negative perceptions. Consistent and sincere messaging fosters credibility and reassures stakeholders of the company’s commitment to doing better.

Lastly, Conciliation involves rectifying the mistake and restoring relationships. Removing the ad was a concrete step towards conciliation, signaling acknowledgment of the error. Furthermore, addressing the underlying issues—such as insensitivity to social movements—requires ongoing engagement and adjustment of messaging strategies. PepsiCo’s actions demonstrated a willingness to reconcile with their audience, which facilitated partial recovery of their reputation. Ensuring that corrective measures are genuine and sustained is essential for long-term brand resilience.

The application of Social Exchange Theory further underscores these strategies. This theory suggests that social behavior is rooted in reciprocal exchanges aimed at maximizing benefits and minimizing costs. When organizations showcase fairness, social responsibility, and respect for social norms, they foster positive exchanges with their publics. Upholding norms like reciprocity and social responsibility enhances mutual trust, which is fundamental to maintaining favorable public relations. PepsiCo’s swift response and sincere apology can be viewed as actions intended to restore the balance of benefits and costs for their stakeholders.

Additionally, understanding and aligning with social norms—such as respecting social movements like Black Lives Matter—are critical. Companies that recognize and integrate these norms into their public relations practices demonstrate social awareness and foster goodwill. Upholding social responsibilities through genuine actions—such as removing offensive content or engaging in community dialogue—strengthens corporate reputation and encourages ongoing supportive relationships.

In conclusion, organizations facing public relations crises benefit from employing the 4Cs of peacemaking—Contact, Cooperation, Communication, and Conciliation. When combined with an understanding of social exchange theory and social norms, these principles guide organizations towards effective crisis management and reputation recovery. PepsiCo’s response to the Kendall Jenner commercial controversy underscores the significance of prompt action, transparency, sincere communication, and genuine reconciliation. As organizations navigate the complex landscape of public perception, embedding these principles into their crisis response strategies is essential for sustaining trust and fostering positive stakeholder relationships.

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