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Case Study

Techam Inc: Managing partnerships and climate protection

By Ulrich Steger, Oliver Salzmann and Aileen Ionescu-Somers

4 pages

December 2007

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Reference: IMD-2-0136

This case study (based on a qualitative empirical study of sustainability partnerships) describes internal and external challenges associated with partnerships in general (and in the area of climate protection in particular). The protagonist is head of corporate sustainability in a US-based technology company. He faces internal resistance against climate protection activities. In addition, the climate protection partnership – co-founded and strongly promoted by TechAm – is at a tipping point in light of unresolved issues around governance, strategy, funding and staff. The leading members have picked their low hanging fruits and are in search for the “next logical step” (e.g. advocacy calling for legislation). The laggards are more strongly concerned about organizational issues (in particular governance) and partly attempt to prevent more ambitious agendas.

Learning Objective

Become more familiar with climate change issues (specially in a US context). Become aware of corporate activities addressing climate change issues, in particular through partnerships. Learn about key patterns and challenges associated with such partnerships and how to overcome them.

Keywords

Climate Change, Partnership, Collaboration, Best Practices, Climate Protection, Technology, Corporate Sustainability Management

Settings

United States of America
2007

Type

Generalized Experience

Available Languages

English

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