Ben & Jerry's Struggles with Corporate Social Responsibility in an International Context

Abstract

This case study utilizes the story of Ben & Jerry’s struggles with corporate social responsibility to assist students in applying legal and ethical concepts to practical business situations in an international context. Following an overview of Ben & Jerry’s history, the case study is divided into three separate fact patterns, based on actual events involving corporate law and various international entities. The first fact pattern addresses issues arising from an international supply chain. The second fact pattern involves international environmental and political issues. The third and final fact pattern involves a potential international business transaction with a foreign acquirer. A series of questions follow each of the three fact patterns and can be used as take-home assignments or as an aid to in-class discussion.

Keywords: CSR, corporate governance, social enterprise, social business, social entrepreneurship, mergers, Ben & Jerry's, B Lab

JEL Classification: A13, K22, M14