Case Study

Maria Ahlström-Bondestam: Together everyone achieves more (Video case)

January 2023
Reference: IMD-7-2414

This case presents the unique approach to philanthropy of the Ahlström family. A group of 25 fifth-generation female Ahlström family members founded the Eva Ahlström foundation in 2010, in the name of the family matriarch Eva Ahlström (1848–1920), who was a big contributor to society in her time. This led to the establishment of the Ahlström Collective Impact in 2020. The uniqueness of the Ahlström Collective Impact lies in the power that comes from bringing all entities together under one umbrella, and letting purpose and values be the guiding principles that unite the Ahlström network. The core mission is to inspire, engage and involve everyone – employees and shareholders alike – to create a better understanding of what rights children have, and why and how their realization affects our businesses, our societies and our future.

Learning Objective
  • Explore what role family philanthropy can play for an enterprising family
  • Learn how – if done well – it can lead to positive effects for an individual, the family, ownership, business and society. 
  • Be able to identify what is needed to gain a leadership position in one’s family when the winds are not favorable. 
  • Take the opportunity to turn the mirror on oneself and one’s own philanthropic ideas or activities, either within the existing family enterprise system or as a new philanthropic venture.
Keywords
Philanthropy, Partnership, Impact, United Nations Children's Fund, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Quality Education, Gender Equality, Goal Partnerships, Ethics, Social Responsibility
Settings
World/global, Finland
Ahlstrom-Munksjö, Manufacturing, Technology, Services, Real Estate, Manufacturing, Forestry
From early 2000s until 2021
Type
Field Research
Copyright
© 2022
Available Languages
English
Related material
Teaching note, Video
Case clearing houses
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]

Contact

Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications

Discover our latest research
IMD's faculty and research teams publish articles, case studies, books and reports on a wide range of topics