Avoiding Controversy: Easier Said Than Done

Description

Avoiding Controversy: Easier Said Than Done: Abstract

The case deals with the century-old Canadian peat industry, whose activities take place far from major urban centres. The case is set in the early 1990s, a defining point in the history of peat extraction in Canada, when key decisions were made to ensure the industry’s sustainability. On the other side of the Atlantic, the actions of British peat producers were damaging their industry’s reputation, and something had to be done to prevent the Canadian industry from suffering the consequences.

The case discusses the major challenges faced by companies and industrial sectors whose practices are questioned: achieving social acceptability, preventing and managing controversy, and maintaining legitimacy.

Teaching objectives

The case will enable students to do the following:

• understand the environmental, social, and economic issues facing a trade association
• understand the environmental, social, and economic issues related to social acceptability
• approach a challenge from several different angles
• develop and propose engagement strategies for industry stakeholders and other players

Multi-part case

• Part A
• Part B (included when buying a teacher license only)

Additional information

Also available in French.

Teachers’ notes are available for university teachers only. Please contact the HEC Montréal Case Centre.