Case Study

WWF and the ivory trade (B)

2 pages
June 2004
Reference: IMD-3-1270

The WWF and the Ivory Trade A and B cases serve as a base for discussing an issue that most complex multinational organizations grapple with: How to align global and local priorities in a complex and multinational organization. The issue is illustrated with WWF’s internal debate on its position on ivory trade. Some WWF offices–mainly in Southern Africa–are in favor of opening a restricted trade in ivory. Other offices–mainly in Asia and Eastern Africa–are squarely opposed to reopening the trade. Offices in affluent donor countries like the USA, the UK and The Netherlands emphasize the fine balance between listening to donors and WWF’s principle of making decisions based on scientific data. Subject matter experts and regional experts have to come to terms with the different opinions, some of which are quite strong. The case describes how WWF–despite all the different viewpoints–rallies the troops to formulate one statement that –almost–everyone can live with.

Keywords
Multiple Dimensions Management, International Management, Decision Making, Non-Governmental Organization
Settings
World/global
2002
Type
Field Research
Copyright
© 2004
Available Languages
English
Related material
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