- January 2014
- HBS Case Collection
Anglo American: Implementing a 'Social Way' for Global Mining
Abstract
The mining giant Anglo American attempts to differentiate itself through its social performance, yet public expectations are still growing. Maintaining a "social license" to operate was increasingly challenging and critical to business success.
The case considers Anglo American's options to stay in front of these trends. How can the protagonist promote greater professionalization of social performance inside the organization, and greater integration with business decisions?
The organization was also under pressure to increase social investments as part of the company's social license. Could significantly more value—for the company, host governments, and local communities—be created by leveraging the company's core operations, such as increasing the amount of goods and services purchased from local suppliers?