Discussion Question Participating in the discussion question forum provides you with an opportunity to share your experiences and learn from your colleagues. Here’s this week’s discussion question: Ca

Discussion Question

Participating in the discussion question forum provides you with an opportunity to share your experiences and learn from your colleagues.

Here’s this week’s discussion question:

Case Background:

EcoGlow Inc., a European-based multinational consumer electronics company, has built a global reputation for sleek, energy-efficient tech products. The company’s tagline, “Powering the Future, Sustainably,” appears across its packaging and digital campaigns. With manufacturing hubs in Asia, Latin America, and Africa, EcoGlow boasts a supply chain designed to optimize cost and efficiency.

In 2022, EcoGlow launched a bold “Green Commitment 2030” initiative, pledging carbon neutrality, fair labor practices, and circular economy practices such as device recycling and repair incentives. They received praise in major business publications and saw a 15% rise in their stock price within six months of the campaign’s launch.

However, investigative reports surfaced in 2023 alleging that several of EcoGlow’s overseas suppliers were violating environmental and labor standards—dumping toxic waste near communities and underpaying workers. Activist groups accused EcoGlow of greenwashing, arguing that the company was engaging in CSR for strategic branding rather than genuine commitment.Despite the controversy, EcoGlow’s leadership maintains that they are on a transition journey and remain committed to their sustainability roadmap.

You are part of a strategic advisory group tasked with conducting a comprehensive analysis of EcoGlow Inc. in the context of global strategic management. Your aim is to critically assess whether EcoGlow’s CSR initiatives are genuinely aligned with ethical global strategy or are mere branding efforts masking unsustainable practices. 

Discussion Questions:

1) Based on the case, how can one differentiate between CSR used for strategic branding and CSR driven by genuine ethical commitment in a global company like EcoGlow? What metrics or frameworks would you use to assess this?

2) From the perspective of stakeholders and consumers, how can companies manage perception vs. intent when allegations of greenwashing arise? How can EcoGlow rebuild trust?

3) Is it strategically viable for companies to prioritize CSR even when it may increase costs or reduce short-term profits? How should EcoGlow balance shareholder expectations with long-term sustainability goals?

Tip for Writing: Use complete, grammatically correct sentences. Try using the MEAL format to structure your responses. Start with a clear Main idea, support it with Evidence (like readings, data, or examples), add your Analysis to explain its importance, and finish with a Closing sentence that ties it together. This will help keep your posts organized and impactful.

Important Formatting Requirements:

Your responses should be in essay format using paragraphs. Do NOT use bullet points, numbered lists, or bold text. Use only quality academic, peer-reviewed sources (preferably from CIU’s LIRN centre). Do NOT use websites, especially anything with “pedia” in the name. If your response is not in essay format, or it contains bullet points, numbered lists, or bold text, you will be ineligible for any points.

To earn full credit:

·       Post an initial response of 500 words 

Assignment Instructions

Case Study 1: Patagonia – A Business Model Built on Environmental and Social Responsibility

Case Overview:

Patagonia, the outdoor apparel company, has built its brand and strategy around environmental activism and ethical business practices. From its 1% for the Planet pledge to its bold marketing campaigns like “Don’t Buy This Jacket,” Patagonia consistently challenges conventional business models. In 2022, founder Yvon Chouinard transferred ownership of the company to a trust and nonprofit organization designed to ensure profits are used to fight climate change and protect undeveloped land around the globe.

Patagonia’s operations focus on supply chain transparency, fair labor practices, and high environmental standards. It encourages product repairs and reuse, aiming to reduce consumption. Despite its anti-consumerism messaging, Patagonia has grown into a highly profitable global brand.

As the company continues to scale and faces increasing global demand, it must balance its environmental mission with the pressures of globalization, competition, and supply chain complexity. 

Assignment Questions:

1. How can Patagonia maintain its strong environmental and social responsibility focus while scaling globally and competing in fast-growing markets?
2. Analyze Patagonia’s strategic positioning using the triple bottom line (people, planet, profit). How sustainable is this in the long term?
3. What challenges could arise from Patagonia’s anti-consumerist messaging in emerging economies where consumers aspire to Western lifestyles?

Case Study 2: Shell’s Energy Transition Strategy – Balancing Profit with Global Decarbonization Pressure

Case Overview:

Shell, one of the world’s largest oil and gas companies, is under mounting pressure from governments, investors, environmental groups, and the general public to transition toward cleaner energy. Shell has committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 and is investing in renewable energy, carbon capture, and electric mobility. However, critics argue that Shell’s transition is too slow, and its core business still heavily relies on fossil fuels.

In 2021, a Dutch court ruled that Shell must reduce its emissions more aggressively, sparking a debate over legal accountability and corporate responsibility in the energy sector. Shell has also faced investor activism and strategic dilemmas between short-term profitability and long-term sustainability.

Shell’s challenge is to remain competitive and profitable while navigating geopolitical tensions, regulatory pressures, and technological disruption in the global energy landscape.

Assignment Questions:

1. How can Shell redesign its global strategy to lead in the clean energy transition without undermining its profitability and shareholder value?
2. Evaluate Shell’s stakeholder engagement strategy in light of the Dutch court ruling. What governance mechanisms could enhance Shell’s accountability?
3. What are the strategic risks and opportunities of Shell divesting from fossil fuels in developing countries where energy access remains a challenge?

Assignment Requirements:

·       APA formatted 3–5 page assignment (1000–1500 words).

·       At least three scholarly sources (peer-reviewed journal articles) with a minimum of five in-text citations. Use CIU’s Online Library LIRN for sources.

·       A title page and a references page (not included in the word count).

Tip: Ensure your submission reflects your own academic thinking. Avoid relying on paraphrasing tools or AI-generated content.

Ensure your work is original, grammatically correct, and that your Turnitin similarity score is low.