When Location Determines Response Strategy
White Paper Graef & Co. White Paper Graef & Co.

When Location Determines Response Strategy

In an era of globalization, corporations operate in a complex media and regulatory landscape. A crisis in one region does not automatically translate into reputational damage globally. How should companies tailor their crisis response based on the nature of the controversy? The level of public attention and perceived impact—determined by distance and salience—shapes whether companies should use moral messaging, technical justifications, or fact-based crisis responses.

Read More
From Condolences to Accountability
Industry Insights Graef & Co. Industry Insights Graef & Co.

From Condolences to Accountability

How Should Companies Respond When Systemic Failures Lead to Public Outrage? A major healthcare corporation recently found itself at the center of a shocking and tragic event—one that has ignited widespread debate about corporate responsibility, patient care, and systemic failures. What began as a crisis of operational inefficiencies has now escalated into a highly politicized public reckoning, putting immense pressure on leadership to respond appropriately. The company’s initial response followed the expected playbook. However, as public scrutiny intensified, it became clear that a mere expression of sympathy would not suffice. The company had to move beyond “thoughts and prayers” to meaningful accountability measures—without inadvertently legitimizing extreme actions taken in response to their failures.

Read More
Lessons from Illicit Arms Sales
Case Study Graef & Co. Case Study Graef & Co.

Lessons from Illicit Arms Sales

The defense sector operates under intense scrutiny due to its involvement in arms manufacturing and global security. Companies in this industry face reputational risks from regulatory violations, ethical concerns, and international scrutiny over arms sales. This case study examines how a leading European defense manufacturer faced a crisis related to illegal arms sales and regulatory violations, exploring its crisis management strategies, stakeholder response, and long-term reputation recovery efforts.

Read More
Damage Control in Brussels
White Paper Graef & Co. White Paper Graef & Co.

Damage Control in Brussels

The European Commission plays a central role in EU governance, acting as both the executive body and a regulatory authority. Its legitimacy is built on trust, transparency, and adherence to ethical norms. However, political scandals can severely damage this legitimacy, triggering crises that require strategic communication and reputation management. This paper examines the EC's crisis communication strategy through two high-profile scandals: the Dalli Cash-for-Influence Scandal (2012) and the Barroso Revolving Doors Scandal (2016). Using five key crisis management indicators—speed, openness, rule application, tone, and reform engagement—this analysis assesses the effectiveness of the EC’s response and extracts key lessons for political crisis management.

Read More
The Digital Disruption of Banking PR
Industry Insights Graef & Co. Industry Insights Graef & Co.

The Digital Disruption of Banking PR

The rise of social media and real-time digital communication has transformed the way banking institutions manage their public relations. Instant virality, heightened consumer expectations, and the rapid dissemination of financial news mean that banks must develop sophisticated PR strategies to navigate reputational risks.

This paper explores how banking PR has evolved in the digital era, integrating theoretical frameworks with real-world case studies to establish best practices in financial communication.

Read More
Nigeria’s PR Industry in Transition
Industry Insights Graef & Co. Industry Insights Graef & Co.

Nigeria’s PR Industry in Transition

Nigeria’s public relations industry is undergoing significant transformation, driven by technological advancements, changing consumer behaviors, and evolving socio-political contexts. Strategic PR has become essential for reputation management, audience engagement, and sustained corporate success. This paper examines key trends shaping Nigeria’s PR landscape, emphasizing digital evolution, purpose-driven campaigns, crisis communication, and reputation management strategies.

Read More