Crisis Management: Case Studies from Major Corporations

Kato Bukenya T.

Faculty of Business and Management Kampala International University Uganda

ABSTRACT

In an increasingly interconnected and volatile global economy, corporate crises have become both inevitable and highly consequential. This paper investigates crisis management strategies by analyzing high-profile corporate crises, including Johnson & Johnson’s Tylenol tampering incident, the Volkswagen emissions scandal, the United Airlines passenger removal controversy, the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill, and recent pandemic-related responses from Kimberly-Clark and Muji. Drawing from theories of crisis communication, framing, and leadership, this study explores how different organizations navigated crises across various industries. It assesses the role of framing, stakeholder communication, decision-making under pressure, and the efficacy of response strategies. Through comparative analysis and the evaluation of crisis preparedness, this paper highlights best practices, common pitfalls, and the critical role of leadership. The findings provide actionable insights into how corporations can build resilient crisis management systems that protect brand reputation, minimize harm, and recover stakeholder trust in the aftermath of unforeseen challenges.

Keywords: Crisis Management, Corporate Crisis Communication, Organizational Leadership, Crisis Response Strategies, Reputation Management, Case Studies, Risk Mitigation.

CITE AS: Kato Bukenya T. (2025). Crisis Management: Case Studies from Major Corporations. IAA Journal of Arts and Humanities 12(1):104-111. https://doi.org/10.59298/IAAJAH/2025/121104111