The Topic: Samsung And How Their Phones Had A Malfunction
The Topic Issamsung And How Their Phones Had a Malfunction And Explode
The topic is Samsung and how their phones had a malfunction and exploded due to miscommunication between the manufacturers and the management. Assignment overview: Your group is to identify a communication-related problem or issue in a business organization. Here are some examples: (1) Miscommunication between manager level employees and entry level employee (2) a Point of Sale system (for checking out – the registers) is outdated (3) Customer service has been rated poorly on social media sites (4) anything your group feels would be necessary. Then, as a group, you are to design a solution to the problem, using course materials, terms and discussion, independent research and your own experiences to guide you.
This assignment involves both an oral presentation of the problem along with the chosen solution and a written report. In both components your group will be expected to perform the following: 1. Identify the organization OR industry 2. Describe the problem (who, what, when, how and why). 3. Describe and justify the solution selected based on sufficient research. 4. Present a timetable for implementing the solution. 5. Present a budget for implementing the solution. 6. Present a method for evaluating the “success” of the solution.
Group Expectations: There will be one grade assigned to all members. It is expected that your group will integrate materials covered in class/textbook into the final presentation and report.
WRITTEN ASSIGNMENT (50 points): 8-10 Pages · Letter (1 Page): A formal direct letter written to the CEO of the company. It encapsulates a highlight of the report’s key findings and thanks him/her for allowing you to consult their company issue. The letter will serve as the cover page of the report and will include all group member’s names and signatures (signature do not have to be hand written). · Report (6-8 Pages): A detailed account in report format (single spaced, font 11 or 12, 1-inch margins) that explains the solution you have selected. It analyzes and discusses why the solution is significant and why the group chose that particular solution. You should be able to build a case for recommendations in your report by giving ample examples of reader benefits. Examples of how the solution will positively impact the organization should be presented.
If you have determined procedural changes are required, you must build your report to support recommendations. · Reference Page (1 Page): Please cite all sources in the body of the report in APA format and include a reference page for the sources used. A minimum of 8 sources are required.
Paper For Above instruction
Introduction
The recent incidents involving Samsung smartphones, particularly the Galaxy Note 7, have exemplified critical failures in communication within the organization that led to severe product malfunctions and safety hazards, including explosions. These issues are primarily rooted in miscommunication between manufacturers, management, and regulatory bodies, highlighting the importance of effective communication strategies in safeguarding product quality and consumer safety. This paper explores the communication breakdowns that contributed to the Galaxy Note 7 crisis, analyzes their implications, and proposes comprehensive solutions to prevent similar occurrences in the future. The focus is on establishing transparent, precise, and timely communication channels across all organizational levels and external stakeholders.
Background and Context
Samsung Electronics, as a leading global technology company, prides itself on innovation and quality. However, the Galaxy Note 7 incident in 2016 marked a significant setback, with reports of batteries overheating, catching fire, and exploding, leading to recalls and reputational damage. Internal investigations revealed that miscommunication regarding battery safety and testing results played a pivotal role. The manufacturing process involved multiple suppliers and testing agencies, yet inconsistencies in communication led to overlooked risks. Management's failure to effectively communicate safety concerns and the urgency of addressing potential flaws exacerbated the crisis, resulting in dangerous devices reaching consumers.
Identification of Communication-Related Problems
The core communication problems include:
- Fragmented communication channels between design, manufacturing, and quality assurance teams, leading to gaps in information about battery safety.
- Inadequate communication of testing results and risk assessments to senior management, resulting in delayed response actions.
- Lack of transparency and timely reporting to regulatory agencies and consumers about potential safety issues.
- Insufficient training for employees on communication protocols during crisis management.
These issues collectively contributed to the failure to identify and mitigate battery risks effectively, ultimately leading to the explosion incidents.
Analysis of the Cause of Communication Failures
The primary causes of the communication failures include organizational silos, a culture prioritizing speed and innovation over safety, and inadequate stakeholder engagement. The fragmented communication channels prevented the free flow of critical safety information. Additionally, a management approach that undervalued risk communication and transparency led to delayed disclosures and inadequate crisis response. The lack of a unified communication framework hindered rapid, coordinated actions to mitigate product risks, thus allowing unsafe devices to reach customers.
Proposed Solutions
To address these communication failures, a multi-faceted approach is recommended:
1. Establish a centralized communication platform integrating all stakeholders involved in product development, testing, and safety monitoring.
2. Implement mandatory transparency protocols for reporting safety concerns at all organizational levels.
3. Develop comprehensive crisis communication plans, including rapid response teams trained specifically for product safety incidents.
4. Foster a corporate culture emphasizing safety, transparency, and open communication, supported by leadership commitment.
5. Regular training sessions for employees and management on effective communication strategies and safety protocols.
6. Engage external stakeholders such as regulators and consumers through transparent reporting and feedback mechanisms.
These measures aim to ensure that safety-critical information is promptly communicated, understood, and acted upon across all organizational levels and external bodies.
Implementation Timeline and Budget
The proposed solution will be implemented in phases over 12 months:
- Months 1-3: Development of the centralized communication platform and internal protocols — estimated cost $2 million.
- Months 4-6: Training programs and dissemination of safety reporting procedures — estimated cost $500,000.
- Months 7-9: Establishment of crisis response teams and external stakeholder engagement processes — estimated cost $1 million.
- Months 10-12: Evaluation and refinement of communication processes — ongoing costs of $200,000 annually.
The total estimated budget for initial implementation is approximately $3.7 million, covering technology, training, and personnel.
Evaluation of Success
The success of the communication overhaul will be evaluated through:
- Reduction in safety incident reports related to battery issues within 12 months.
- Increased transparency and stakeholder satisfaction measured via surveys.
- Improved internal communication audits demonstrating seamless information flow.
- Timely regulatory disclosures and positive media reports on safety measures taken.
- Feedback from crisis simulations and employee evaluations to refine communication protocols.
This multi-criteria evaluation ensures continuous improvement and accountability in safety communication practices.
Conclusion
Effective communication is vital for the safety and success of technology organizations like Samsung. The Galaxy Note 7 crisis underscores the catastrophic consequences of communication failures. Implementing centralized communication systems, fostering transparency, training personnel, and engaging external stakeholders are essential steps toward building a resilient, safety-oriented organizational culture. These measures will not only prevent future product failures but also reinforce consumer confidence and corporate reputation.
References
- Bennett, C. (2019). Crisis communication and risk management in the electronics industry. Journal of Business Communication, 56(2), 123-139.
- Dwivedi, Y. K., Wamba, S. F., & Kapoor, K. (2020). Managing communication failures in large technology firms. Technology and Innovation Management Review, 10(1), 45-55.
- Lee, S. (2018). Organizational culture and safety management: The case of Samsung. International Journal of Management, 34(4), 657-670.
- Nam, K. (2021). Crisis response strategies in the aftermath of product safety scandals. Safety Science, 138, 105222.
- Park, J. (2020). Stakeholder engagement and transparency in high-tech industries. Journal of Corporate Communications, 25(3), 388-402.
- Samsung Electronics. (2017). Samsung Galaxy Note 7: Battery safety investigation report. Samsung Publications.
- Smith, A., & Johnson, M. (2019). Organizational response to product recalls. Journal of Business Ethics, 154(2), 377-389.
- Taylor, P. (2022). Communication strategies for crisis management in organizations. Business Communication Quarterly, 85(1), 43-60.
- Williams, R. (2020). Building resilient communication frameworks in technology companies. Journal of Organizational Change Management, 33(5), 785-799.
- Zhang, Y., & Li, P. (2018). Enhancing safety communication within corporations: Lessons from the electronics sector. Journal of Safety Research, 67, 115-124.