AP: Wal-Mart launches ads in self-defense

Professor Paul Argenti via Associated Press about Wal-Mart's right but late move to start advertising its positive image damaged by a continuous criticism from union-funded watch groups.

"Now it looks like its just a response. It's not a good position to be in, to be defensive," said Argenti, a professor at the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College in Hanover, N.H.

Source: Associated Press via Business Week by Marcus Kabel, August 30, 2006

Reuters: Dell turns to damage control

Professor Paul Argenti via Reuters about Dell's way of managing the recent crisis with the recall of notebook batteries.

"Initially, Dell has done exactly what I would suggest to them and the kind of thing that can make for a strong reputation going forward," said Argenti.

"One of the most amazing things about crises or dramas is it's more how you react than what actually happened," Argenti said. "People look to see whether you will stand by your product and do the right thing."

Source: Reuters via MSN Money, 18 August, 2006