A lot can be said about how poorly this was handled by the Paula Deen team from a crisis communication standpoint. But let’s go back to the root of the issue — it may never have started in the first place if there had been a clearly defined communication channel that allowed workplace concerns to be elevated to leaders who could address them. These channels are not difficult to establish and can make a huge difference not only in employee engagement but also in public opinion, as evidenced in this case.
http://www.latimes.com/food/dailydish/la-dd-paula-deen-accuser-statement-20130823,0,1509652.story