Case Study Patagonia

1. Citizenship Concept is in stage 5, Patagonia has clearly changed the game by supporting environmental sustainability. This is first noticed when they were involved, back in the 1970s, with the protests against developing the mouth of the Ventura River. This was located within a few hundred yards of their office so involvement with the surrounding community is evident. Next, they implemented the 1% for the Planet Alliance. Started back in 2001, businesses involved in this alliance pledge 1% of its annual sales as tax-deductible donations to nonprofit environmental organizations. What is important to takeaway from their discussion of this alliance is they will pledge this percentage of sales regardless if they have a financially successful
Through their campaigning and consistency with donations they maintain their position combatting several environmental issues. As mentioned earlier, they are willing to contribute 1% of sales even if they have a down year financially that speaks to the message that the company is conveying. Stakeholder Relationships is in stage 5 and Multi-organization alliances. This is clearly in display with the 1% for the Planet. They are forming an alliance with other companies to support environmental sustainability. This is also evident with their many distribution channels. They have a number of outlets they sell to, doing business in Japan, Europe, Asia, Latin America, and Canada proves they have the expertise to manage the stakeholders involved in each channel
There are two issues that tell me otherwise. The first issue was stated from an interview with Kris McDivitt. During the interview, she mentioned that Chouinard said “Here’s Patagonia. Here’s Chouinard Equipment. Do with them what you will.” This statement clearly shows his interest in running the business side of Patagonia. He wanted to spend his time involved in rock-climbing, kayaking, and his other activities. The second issue is when he visited Dr. Kami and was asked why he was in business, Chouinard replied by saying “we are pessimistic about the fate of the world and felt responsibility to use our resources to do something about it” although that sounds great Dr. Kami justifiably said if that was his actual motive for staying in business he could have sold the company and donated a portion of the money toward a foundation.

I believe I wouldn’t want to work at Patagonia. I’ve never tried rock climbing and my experiences with kayaking and fishing left for more to be desired. If I want to work for a specific organization I need to be really interested in the products I create/sell such as Chouinard