Business Case Studies & Business Publications

Unilever: Corporate Venturing and Enviro...

Werhane, Patricia ...

Case

Unilever: Corporate Venturing and Environmental Sustainability

Werhane, Patricia H.; Venkataraman, S.; Gorman, Michael E.; Mehalik, Matthew M.; Standish, Myles

E-0152 | Published December 16, 1998 | 15 pages Case

Collection: Darden School of Business

Product Details

This case focuses on how Jan-Kees Vis, a middle-echelon staff worker at Unilever Foods, champions his ideas for environmental sustainability. Despite his position and company reorganization, he manages to affect corporate environmental policy and operational strategy. Although the case's primary emphasis is on Vis's tactics, the integration of sustainability into Unilever's mission statement is a central theme. The case can be used as an aid for instruction on internal corporate venturing, sustainable-policy development, and environmental sustainability strategy. See also the Unilever A, B, C, and D cases (UVA-E-0153, UVA-E-0154, UVA-UVA-E-0155, and UVA-E-0156). A teaching note is available to registered faculty.