Research by: Maria Angela G. Zafra, Wilfred S. Manuela Jr., Manuel J. de Vera, & Angelina G. Golamco
Abstract
Hijo Resources Corporation (Hijo) was a conglomerate based in Tagum, Davao del Norte, Philippines. Hijo began as an abaca plantation in the 1940s and ventured into the cultivation and exportation of Cavendish bananas in 1968. Alongside its agribusiness operations, Hijo had diversified into a conglomerate with business interests spanning a broad range of sectors. However, Hijo was no longer able to operate its business as usual due to changing economic, environmental, and societal challenges. The company’s current initiatives were fragmented and existed in silos within each strategic business unit (SBU). In April 2018, Hijo’s president and chief executive officer needed to determine how to holistically integrate sustainability practices into the company’s value chain, cutting across different issues and encouraging collaboration across Hijo’s different SBUs.
Learning Objective
This case is intended for use in undergraduate- and graduate-level business and management courses. The case explores the topics of business models, strategy, financial management, organization and management, corporate social responsibility (CSR), and sustainability. After working through the case and assignment questions, students will be able to do the following:
- Explore the underlying logic of a strategy based on diversification.
- Review key requirements for effective organizational change.
- Examine social and environmental differentiation as a viable strategy of legitimizing an organization, understand the power and limitations of such a strategy, and assess whether the strategy can contribute to a company’s competitive advantage.
- Identify paths to going beyond CSR and embedding sustainability practices in day-to-day business operations.
Issues: corporate sustainability, corporate diversification, corporate responsibility, change leadership, agricultural sector
Disciplines: General Management/Strategy
Industries: Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting
Setting: Philippines, Medium, 2018
Intended Audience: Undergraduate/MBA
To cite this case: Zafra, M. A. G., Manuela Jr., W. S., de Vera, M. J., & Golamco, A. G. (2020). Hijo Resources Corporation: Integrating sustainability into day-to-day operations. Ivey ID: 9B20M198. London, Canada: Ivey Publishing.
To access this case: https://www.iveycases.com/ProductView.aspx?id=112558
