Strategic Focus: Mitigating Reputational Risk In The Age Of Social Media

30 Dec, 2024

Access this research

Access all Corporate Risk Leaders content with a strategic subscription or buy this single report

Need help or have a question about this report? Contact us for assistance

Executive Summary

As we head into another era of consumers making their politics understood by the brands that they buy, understanding the context of reputational risks in the age of social media is crucial. Case studies like Bud Light, Maybelline and Tractor Supply demonstrate that a firm’s response to social media backlash can either amplify negative publicity or mitigate it effectively. Organizations should double down on their core values, prioritize stakeholders and lead with authenticity to navigate potential crises confidently. By recognizing the limited influence of internet commentators and avoiding reactive engagement, firms can maintain brand integrity and stakeholder trust. 
Organizations must understand a risk’s context before deciding on how to act
The power of context in risk management
The ‘troll effect’: likelihood and impact to brand reputation
Strategic recommendations for managing reputational risk
Figure 1. Key recommendations for managing reputational risk

About the Authors

Renee Murphy

Renee Murphy

Principal Analyst

Renee Murphy is a Principal Analyst at Verdantix. Her current research targets GRC, with a particular focus on the integration of ESG into GRC. Prior to joining Verdantix, Ren...

Katelyn Johnson

Katelyn Johnson

Senior Manager

Katelyn is a Senior Manager at Verdantix, specializing in enterprise risk management and external risk and resilience. She helps executives navigate today’s evolving ris...

View Profile

Other related content

Blog
Corporate Risk Leaders
Incident In, Compliance Out: Ideagen’s ...

For many on-site workers, understanding and effectively using AI may feel more like a burden than a breakthrough. Similarly, EHSQ software buyers have traditionally hesitated to ad...

15 December, 2025

Blog
Corporate Risk Leaders
Varying Levels Of AI Adoption And Laggi...

At #RISK Expo Europe in London, the main topic dominating the agenda this year – perhaps unsurprisingly – was AI. Not all vendors, however, are looking at AI in the same way. Inste...

15 December, 2025

Blog
Corporate Risk Leaders
The Sterling-Denominated Stablecoins Re...

The Bank of England (BoE) recently published a consultation paper seeking public views on a regulatory framework for sterling-denominated stablecoins. Cryptocurrency advocates ar...

10 December, 2025

Blog
Corporate Risk Leaders
Singapore Authorities Consider Stepping...

On November 13, the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) issued a consultation paper asking market participants to comment on the proposed guidelines on AI risk management by Ja...

09 December, 2025

Webinar
Corporate Risk Leaders
Predictions 2026: Risk Management

As global risks collide at unprecedented speed, static risk models are reaching their breaking point. AI disruption, escalating cyber warfare, climate-driven operational threats, a...

Upcoming / 27 January, 2026

Blog
Corporate Risk Leaders
Torn In Two: Regulatory Divergence In E...

Firms operating on both sides of the Atlantic will face two increasingly divergent regulatory trends in 2026. In Europe, authorities will continue to roll out new regulations, whil...

25 November, 2025