Subject category:
Production and Operations Management
Published by:
RSM Case Development Centre
Length: 7 pages
Data source: Field research
Share a link:
https://casecent.re/p/210228
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Abstract
This is part of a case series. Fairphone, a pioneer in ethical consumer electronics, built its reputation on transparency, sustainability, and responsible sourcing. However, the company faced a major test when a corruption scandal emerged: two buyers in Taipei had accepted kickbacks from a Chinese supplier in exchange for preferential terms. This breach of trust jeopardized Fairphone's credibility and mission as an industry role model. The case focuses on how CEO Eva Gouwens and CFO Noud Tillemans managed the crisis, raising questions about supply chain transparency, corporate ethics, governance, risk management, anti-bribery safeguards, and stakeholder communication. Unlike typical white-collar scandals, the incident challenged the very identity of a company known for championing ethical business practices.
Teaching and learning
This item is suitable for postgraduate and executive education courses.Time period
The events covered by this case took place in 2022.Geographical setting
Region:
World/global
Countries:
The Netherlands; China
Featured company
Fairphone
Type:
Privately held
Industry:
Electronics
Featured protagonists
- Eva Gouwens (female), CEO
- Noud Tillemans (male), CFO
About
Abstract
This is part of a case series. Fairphone, a pioneer in ethical consumer electronics, built its reputation on transparency, sustainability, and responsible sourcing. However, the company faced a major test when a corruption scandal emerged: two buyers in Taipei had accepted kickbacks from a Chinese supplier in exchange for preferential terms. This breach of trust jeopardized Fairphone's credibility and mission as an industry role model. The case focuses on how CEO Eva Gouwens and CFO Noud Tillemans managed the crisis, raising questions about supply chain transparency, corporate ethics, governance, risk management, anti-bribery safeguards, and stakeholder communication. Unlike typical white-collar scandals, the incident challenged the very identity of a company known for championing ethical business practices.
Teaching and learning
This item is suitable for postgraduate and executive education courses.Settings
Time period
The events covered by this case took place in 2022.Geographical setting
Region:
World/global
Countries:
The Netherlands; China
Featured company
Fairphone
Type:
Privately held
Industry:
Electronics
Featured protagonists
- Eva Gouwens (female), CEO
- Noud Tillemans (male), CFO





