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Tyson Recalls 30,000 Pounds of Frozen Chicken Nuggets (A)
Batova, Tatiana; Moriarty, Brian; Murray, Meghan Case BC-0308 / Published September 23, 2024 / 5 pages. Collection: Darden School of Business
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Product Overview

This case opens on November 4, 2023, with Yasmin Bello, head of media relations for Tyson Foods, Inc. (Tyson). Earlier that day, Tyson had issued a voluntary recall for its Fun Nuggets, breaded and fully cooked chicken nuggets shaped like dinosaurs. Even though there was only one report of a minor injury, Bello was concerned to hear the news that metal pieces could be in Tyson’s chicken product, which was popular among children. Bello typically spoke on behalf of Tyson for voluntary recalls, allowing company leadership to focus on things like earnings reports. She prepared to represent the brand at a news conference and wondered what questions she needed to be ready for. This case covers the basics of processed food manufacturing, how food recalls work in the United States, and how to publicly communicate bad news and answer difficult questions. It offers a real-world example of how to navigate complex challenges, balance transparency with regulatory compliance, and maintain consumer trust while managing a brand’s reputation. Additionally, it prompts discussions about ethical decision-making, strategic stakeholder engagement, and the importance of agility in leadership responses. The accompanying teaching note for this case details a role-playing opportunity for students to practice leadership and communication in a moment of business crisis.



Learning Objectives

- Understand the importance of leadership voice and style for building and maintaining trust in challenging situations, engaging employees, and reinforcing mission and values. - Explore the ethical considerations leaders must navigate when their decisions impact public safety, company reputation, and stakeholder trust. - Recognize that everything communicates and that strategic communication is as much about how you speak as about what you say. - Apply contextual voice and style to deliver challenging news confidently, empathetically, and clearly to multiple audiences. - Consider how your communication style impacts others, and how to combine authenticity and a variety of techniques that can be developed and learned. - Build skills in preparing for and conducting a difficult media interview based on the case discussion.


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  • Overview

    This case opens on November 4, 2023, with Yasmin Bello, head of media relations for Tyson Foods, Inc. (Tyson). Earlier that day, Tyson had issued a voluntary recall for its Fun Nuggets, breaded and fully cooked chicken nuggets shaped like dinosaurs. Even though there was only one report of a minor injury, Bello was concerned to hear the news that metal pieces could be in Tyson’s chicken product, which was popular among children. Bello typically spoke on behalf of Tyson for voluntary recalls, allowing company leadership to focus on things like earnings reports. She prepared to represent the brand at a news conference and wondered what questions she needed to be ready for. This case covers the basics of processed food manufacturing, how food recalls work in the United States, and how to publicly communicate bad news and answer difficult questions. It offers a real-world example of how to navigate complex challenges, balance transparency with regulatory compliance, and maintain consumer trust while managing a brand’s reputation. Additionally, it prompts discussions about ethical decision-making, strategic stakeholder engagement, and the importance of agility in leadership responses. The accompanying teaching note for this case details a role-playing opportunity for students to practice leadership and communication in a moment of business crisis.

  • Learning Objectives

    Learning Objectives

    - Understand the importance of leadership voice and style for building and maintaining trust in challenging situations, engaging employees, and reinforcing mission and values. - Explore the ethical considerations leaders must navigate when their decisions impact public safety, company reputation, and stakeholder trust. - Recognize that everything communicates and that strategic communication is as much about how you speak as about what you say. - Apply contextual voice and style to deliver challenging news confidently, empathetically, and clearly to multiple audiences. - Consider how your communication style impacts others, and how to combine authenticity and a variety of techniques that can be developed and learned. - Build skills in preparing for and conducting a difficult media interview based on the case discussion.