Product details

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Prize winner
Published by: Harvard Business Publishing
Originally published in: 2000
Version: 6 September 2002

Abstract

In the mid-1990s Nike, one of the world's most successful footwear companies, is hit by a spate of alarmingly bad publicity. After years of high-profile media attention as the company that can 'just do it', Nike is suddenly being portrayed as a firm that relies on low-cost, exploited labor in its overseas plants. Nike officials vigorously deny the charges, claiming that Nike has no control over the independent contractors who manufacture Nike shoes. But the activists will not retreat. Eventually, Nike must learn to deal with the activists' claims and with the tangle of conflicting data that surrounds the concept of a 'fair' or 'living' wage.

Time period

The events covered by this case took place in 1991-1999.

Geographical setting

Region:
World/global
Countries:
United States; Indonesia; Vietnam

Featured company

Nike
Employees:
10000+
Turnover:
USD 9 billion
Industry:
Footwear; Sporting goods & equipment

Featured protagonist

  • Jeff Ballinger (male)

About

Abstract

In the mid-1990s Nike, one of the world's most successful footwear companies, is hit by a spate of alarmingly bad publicity. After years of high-profile media attention as the company that can 'just do it', Nike is suddenly being portrayed as a firm that relies on low-cost, exploited labor in its overseas plants. Nike officials vigorously deny the charges, claiming that Nike has no control over the independent contractors who manufacture Nike shoes. But the activists will not retreat. Eventually, Nike must learn to deal with the activists' claims and with the tangle of conflicting data that surrounds the concept of a 'fair' or 'living' wage.

Settings

Time period

The events covered by this case took place in 1991-1999.

Geographical setting

Region:
World/global
Countries:
United States; Indonesia; Vietnam

Featured company

Nike
Employees:
10000+
Turnover:
USD 9 billion
Industry:
Footwear; Sporting goods & equipment

Featured protagonist

  • Jeff Ballinger (male)

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