Case Study Summary
The case study “Monsanto Attempts to Balance Stakeholder’s Interests” analyzes Monsanto, the leading company in the biotechnology industry. The case study first discusses the history of Monsanto. Monsanto was started in 1906 as a chemical manufacturing company. After a number of legal issues, Monsanto turned its focus to the development of GM seeds. The case study then explores the concerns that have arisen over Monsanto seeds. Some of the concerns have been the safety of the food produced by the seeds, the resistance of pests and weeds because of overuse of Roundup, a herbicide in Monsanto seeds, and the adverse environmental effects of Monsanto products. Together with these concerns, Monsanto have been faced with ethical concerns such as organizational misconduct among their senior management which made decisions that had adverse effects on the community. The other ethical concern surrounding Monsanto are patent issues where Monsanto has been embroiled in legal battles with competitors over breach of patent law regarding their products. Moving away from the ethical concerns, the case study explores the approaches Monsanto has pursued to ensure it meets the expectations of its stakeholders. Monsanto has adopted Code of Business Conduct, Code of Conduct and Human Rights policy to address the needs of its shareholders and employees. Monsanto has also involved itself in promoting sustainable agriculture by supporting farmers across the world. Monsanto has also been involved in charity where it funds studies into agriculture that can make a difference in world’s food security.