HomeResearch & Knowledgeback to HomeSustainabilityback to Research & KnowledgeHindustan Lever (C): Delivering the desired resultsback to Sustainability

Case Study

Hindustan Lever (C): Delivering the desired results

By Ulrich Steger, Wolfgang Amann and Aileen Ionescu-Somers

3 pages

January 2006

Order this case study

Reference: IMD-2-0124

The C-case of this three part series presents the actual changes that were implemented, the rather impressive successes achieved over time, and HLL’s vision for the future. Within less than a decade, HLL hopes to build a pool of 100,000 self-employed women covering 500,000 villages, and reaching 500 million people, thus creating opportunities for rural women and their families to live in improved conditions and raise their overall standard of living.

Keywords

Rural Marketing, Sustainable Marketing, Consumer Goods, Corporate Sustainability Management

Settings

India
2001-2006

Type

Field Research

Available Languages

English

Related material

Teaching note, Video

IMD case studies are distributed through case clearing houses. In order to browse the collection and purchase copies please visit the links below.

The Case Centre

Cranfield University

Wharley End Beds MK43 0JR, UK
Tel +44 (0)1234 750903
Email [email protected]

Harvard Business School Publishing

60 Harvard Way, Boston MA 02163, USA
Tel (800) 545-7685 Tel (617)-783-7600
Fax (617) 783-7666
Email [email protected]

Asia Pacific Case Center

NUCB Business School

1-3-1 Nishiki Naka
Nagoya Aichi, Japan 460-0003
Tel +81 52 20 38 111
Email [email protected]

IMD retains all proprietary interests in its case studies and notes. Without prior written permission, IMD cases and notes may not be reproduced, used, translated, included in books or other publications, distributed in any form or by any means, stored in a database or in other retrieval systems. For additional copyright information related to case studies, please contact Case Services.

Contact

Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications

This case study is part of a series

2006 OIKOS AWARD WINNER (Sustainability)

This case study is part of a series

Keep reading

Article

In the footsteps of Frida: women and diversity in the world of art

Equitable representation in the art world is opening new markets, driving economic growth, and showing the way for other industries.

Diversity And Equity And Inclusion

Article

Five steps to drive a DE&I movement in your company

Five steps to drive a DE&I movement in your company to build an authentic DE&I program that will help you attract and retain talent.

Diversity And Equity And Inclusion

By Luca Condosta

Article

Digital sustainability: it pays to be a leader, not a laggard

Companies that excel in both digital and sustainable transformation attract a stock market premium, according to research. So, how do you tap into ...

Business Transformation Digital Sustainability

By Michael R. Wade and Evangelos Syrigos

Case Study

Should Unilever pivot from being purpose-led?

The case study delves into strategic transformation and leadership transitions at Unilever since 2009. Unilever has been an industry leader of busi...

Strategy Marketing Purpose Sustainability Diversity and Equity and Inclusion

By Goutam Challagalla and Samaja Penumaka

Article

How the media should cast women in a positive light

Accurate female representation in the media will have a transformative impact on the next generation of female leaders.

Diversity And Equity And Inclusion Organizational Culture Social Innovation

By Shelley Zalis

Article

CHANEL Mission 1.5°: A sustainability journey

A series of watershed events forced CHANEL out of its comfort zone, culminating in the launch of CHANEL Mission 1.5° in 2020. This strategy saw the...

Sustainability Luxury

By Stéphane J. G. Girod

in I by IMD

11 July 2024

Article

How the stories you tell can have a real impact

Creative industries have a key role to play in creating positive social change. Here are six key insights to help them achieve their goals.

Organizational Design Purpose Sustainability

Concerns over impact of new EU reporting rules on M&A - CSRD

The EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) will impose comprehensive and standardized sustainability reporting responsibilities on ...

Sustainability Mergers and Acquisitions

By Richard Baldwin and Salvatore Cantale

in I by IMD

3 July 2024

Article

How a haven for artists is uplifting a community - Jason Price

Finance professional Jason Price discusses the potential for art to transform underserved communities, with David Bach.

Innovation Diversity and Equity and Inclusion

Is it time to think differently about difference?

The murder of George Floyd in May 2020 sparked a global reckoning on racial injustice, leading corporations to pledge support for Black Lives Matte...

Diversity and Equity and Inclusion

By Alexander Fleischmann

in I by IMD

1 July 2024

Digital sustainability: it pays to be a leader, not a laggard

By Michael R. Wade and Evangelos Syrigos

Summary

Companies that excel in both digital and sustainable transformation attract a stock market premium, according to research. So, how do you tap into ...

Contact

Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications

Related topics

Business Transformation

Digital

Sustainability

Browse all topics

Should Unilever pivot from being purpose-led?

By Goutam Challagalla and Samaja Penumaka
Case reference: IMD-7-2578 ©2024

Summary

The case study delves into strategic transformation and leadership transitions at Unilever since 2009. Unilever has been an industry leader of business sustainability. Paul Polman was a pioneer who introduced the idea that, by addressing social and environmental problems, a company can unlock new growth opportunities. Polman launched a 10-year Sustainable Living Plan with three objectives: to enhance health and well-being, livelihoods and environmental sustainability. Alan Jope followed in Polman’s path and launched a novel plan for the new decade called The Unilever Compass, focused on sustainability. Unilever took a strategic turn during Jope’s tenure and asked the brands to use their products to solve social issues. He called this “purpose-led branding,” which confused investors. They believed social branding would take the company’s focus away from growth. Tensions were high at Unilever and resulted in a change in leadership. The company wants to focus on growth, which raises questions about the future of corporate sustainability at Unilever.

Reference IMD-7-2578

Organization Unilever

Industry Consumer Goods

Available Languages English

Contact

Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications

Related topics

Strategy

Marketing

Purpose

Sustainability

Diversity and Equity and Inclusion

Browse all topics

How the media should cast women in a positive light

By Shelley Zalis

Summary

Accurate female representation in the media will have a transformative impact on the next generation of female leaders.

Contact

Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications

Related topics

Diversity And Equity And Inclusion

Organizational Culture

Social Innovation

Browse all topics

How the stories you tell can have a real impact

By Avni Shah
in I by IMD 5 July 2024

Summary

Creative industries have a key role to play in creating positive social change. Here are six key insights to help them achieve their goals.

Contact

Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications

Related topics

Organizational Design

Purpose

Sustainability

Browse all topics

Concerns over impact of new EU reporting rules on M&A - CSRD

By Richard Baldwin and Salvatore Cantale
in I by IMD 3 July 2024

Summary

The EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) will impose comprehensive and standardized sustainability reporting responsibilities on ...

Contact

Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications

Related topics

Sustainability

Mergers and Acquisitions

Browse all topics