Internal Noise - The Great Disruptor!

Internal noise in communications disrupts even the best strategies. This dual case study takes Katinat and Bphone as prime examples, where internal noise had caused muddled messages and unclear roles, resulting in strategic drift.

Dr. Kenny Guan Cheng TEOH | Sunway Business School, Malaysia
Kim Thanh LE | Nikkei BizRuptors

Published On 19 Dec 2024

Last Updated On 19 Dec 2024

At a glance

Country

Vietnam

Launched

Katinat: 2016 Bphone: 2015

Sector

Katinat: Food & Beverage Bphone: Digital Technology

Abstract

Internal noise, a disruption in internal communication, can significantly impact a business's strategic execution and public image. This case study delves into two prominent Vietnamese companies, Katinat and Bphone, that faced severe internal communication challenges.

Katinat's poorly executed donation plan, intended to support typhoon victims, sparked public outrage due to its perceived insensitivity. Bphone, on the other hand, suffered from overhyped marketing that did not align with the product's actual performance, leading to customer disappointment and reputational damage.

Both cases reveal how internal noise can distort messages and undermine strategic objectives. In high-context cultures like Vietnam, where implicit communication is prevalent, the impact of internal noise is magnified. By learning from the mistakes of Katinat and Bphone, organizations can avoid similar pitfalls and safeguard their reputation.

 


 

Cover photo by Luke Jones on Unsplash

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(1) Regarding Case Study Content: This case study is based mainly on secondary data and analysis of publicly available information unless otherwise stated, and is intended solely for educational purposes. Any opinions expressed by the author(s) are designed to facilitate learning discussion and do not serve to illustrate the effectiveness of the company. Additionally, banner images and logos used in the case study are intended for visualization in an educational setting and it is not used to represent or brand the company. For any dispute regarding the content and usage of images and logos, please contact the team.

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