Core Disciplines: Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR); International Business; Leadership/Organizational Behavior; Social Enterprise (Social Entrepreneurship); Sustainability
DESCRIPTION: This case explores Monsanto's sustainability-based strategy and subsequent transition from a chemical company to a giant in the life sciences, particularly in the area of biotechnology. There are five sections to this case 1) a survey of the sustainability challenges facing the agricultural sector, 2) an overview of the agbiotech industry, 3) a brief history of the Monsanto company, 4) a summary of Monsanto's sustainability initiatives and a description of its transition to life sciences, and 5) an overview of stakeholders' responses to the development of genetically modified crops.
TEACHING POINTS: This case study can be used to: Explore the concept of sustainability and the specific challenges confronting the agricultural sector; Identify the strengths and weaknesses of Monsanto's sustainability-driven corporate strategy, in terms of both developing and industrialized economies; Demonstrate the escalating importance of broad-based stakeholder engagement and the growing power of civil society; Discuss the process by which a strategic vision is conceived, communicated, and institutionalized.
Secondary Tags: Business and Society; Consumer Products; Culture; Customer Relationship Management; Government & Policy; Manufacturing
Sales Rank: #180