Rough sea: communication driving navigation

Abstract

This teaching case is focused on the dilemma of which communication model to adopt for managing the crisis caused by COVID-19, given the need and imminence of maintaining an agile, transparent, and effective communication flow in one of the largest industrial factories in the segment of canned fish from Latin America, in Brazil. The history of GDC Alimentos completed 65 years in 2019, and it had three units in Santa Catarina - Itajaí. It is a solid business with a strong market presence, but one that was not immune to the devastating power of the COVID-19 pandemic. This virus has globally changed beliefs and perceptions about public health and, in a few months, has drastically impacted the routine of people and organizations. The case enables the analysis of the scenario and identification of alternatives for the direction of the company, and the strengthening of the relationship between the leadership and employees in the face of uncertainties and instability caused by the crisis. It is proposed that the case be applied to undergraduate and graduate courses in the area of administration and communication, in disciplines such as Business Management, People Management and Organizational Leadership.