They are certainly not the first company to be severely embarrassed by information disclosures either coming too late or not at all – with grave consequences for reputation, brand, and shareholder value.
The PlayStation name has previously existed in the relatively leisurely five-year console cycle – but everything moves a lot faster in the smartphone space, and if the Xperia Play is rapidly eclipsed by its competitors, will that have consequences for the brand?
But what does it really say about us, and what are the consequences for businesses and brands?
"Really through the class action, this is an example of private enforcement for a public purpose, and if the class action is successful, there will be consequences for these major brands, including Loblaws.
But had managers measured the profitability of the line extensions alone, they would have continued to market the products with potentially disastrous consequences for the core brand product lines.
The dysfunctional culture, which the public first learns about through, for example, a CEO's resignation, has already negatively affected the internal brand image, with consequences for the company and the brand overall.
Risks borne by companies are being pushed back on to individuals and that has consequences for everybody.Obamacare and Brand YouThe on-demand economy is already provoking political debate, with Uber at the centre of much of it.
This effect was not present for brands.
The third, and still most daunting challenge has been helping individuals realize that their online profiles represent their personal brand, and that their personal brand has consequences for the social, business, and romantic aspects of their life.
Having an unhappy client can really have very serious consequences for the image of the brand".
