Case | HBS Case Collection | 1983 (Revised from original 1979 version)

Allied Chemical Corp. (A)

by George C. Lodge and Joseph L. Badaracco Jr.

Abstract

Describes Allied, the chemical industry, and the effects of the Kepone problem (a toxic pesticide dumped into the James River) as of 1976. The executive in the case must decide whether the company should support the passage of the Toxic Substances Control Act and an internal program called Product Responsibility. Underlying these issues is the question of whether Allied should take a cooperative or adversarial approach to government relations.

Keywords: Safety; Welfare or Wellbeing; Legal Liability; Business History; Decision Making; Business and Government Relations; Pollution and Pollutants; Corporate Social Responsibility and Impact; Chemical Industry;

Citation:

Lodge, George C., and Joseph L. Badaracco Jr. "Allied Chemical Corp. (A)." Harvard Business School Case 379-137, December 1983. (Revised from original February 1979 version.)