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Abstract

Barclays Bank had been in South Africa for more than 60 years when, in November 1986, they finally withdrew. This case describes the pressures they experienced during the 10 year consumer boycott campaign which largely prompted the withdrawal and caused the bank to be known as 'the apartheid bank'. The case considers the relationship between business and apartheid, the arguments for and against disengagement from the South African economy, and the nature and extent of Barclays' involvement in South Africa (its subsidiary was the largest bank there). It looks in detail at the campaign against Barclays by the principal pressure group involved, 'End Loans to South Africa', and at the bank's response to this. The process of withdrawal and its outcomes are described with the various explanations for the disinvestment. There is a full teaching note for the case which draws particular attention to the increasing complexity of the marketing environment and the growing impact of social issues on the firm. This case, which draws on interviews with representatives of the various interested parties and many secondary sources, is, for obvious reasons, particularly appealing to students.
Location:
Industry:
Size:
Multinational
Other setting(s):
1974-1986

About

Abstract

Barclays Bank had been in South Africa for more than 60 years when, in November 1986, they finally withdrew. This case describes the pressures they experienced during the 10 year consumer boycott campaign which largely prompted the withdrawal and caused the bank to be known as 'the apartheid bank'. The case considers the relationship between business and apartheid, the arguments for and against disengagement from the South African economy, and the nature and extent of Barclays' involvement in South Africa (its subsidiary was the largest bank there). It looks in detail at the campaign against Barclays by the principal pressure group involved, 'End Loans to South Africa', and at the bank's response to this. The process of withdrawal and its outcomes are described with the various explanations for the disinvestment. There is a full teaching note for the case which draws particular attention to the increasing complexity of the marketing environment and the growing impact of social issues on the firm. This case, which draws on interviews with representatives of the various interested parties and many secondary sources, is, for obvious reasons, particularly appealing to students.

Settings

Location:
Industry:
Size:
Multinational
Other setting(s):
1974-1986

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