Article | Academy of Management Annual Meeting Proceedings | August 2010

Lords of the Harvest: Symbolic Signaling and Regulatory Approval of Genetically Modified Organisms

by Shon R. Hiatt and Sangchan Park

Keywords: Science; Governing Rules, Regulations, and Reforms;

Format: Print

Citation:

Hiatt, Shon R., and Sangchan Park. "Lords of the Harvest: Symbolic Signaling and Regulatory Approval of Genetically Modified Organisms." Academy of Management Annual Meeting Proceedings (August 2010).

This case is about Colbún, Chile's second largest electricity generator, which is facing significant uncertainty regarding the cost and availability of alternative energy sources. Problems with the contracted supply of natural gas and the volatility of oil prices, coupled with pressure from collective activists, force Colbún to revise its business strategy and its sourcing mix. The case also deals with the pros and cons of various energy sources in view of their perceived environmental impact. The company's CEO, Bernardo Larrain Matte, has to take all these different considerations into account when planning Colbún's future, especially in the light of new opportunities and challenges posed by global climate change. The case analyzes the operations of Colbún to illustrate the complexities associated with conducting business under the influence of global energy markets, political uncertainty, and environmental activism.

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Lords of the Harvest: Symbolic Signaling and Regulatory Approval of Genetically Modified Organisms

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