estimates, 21% of Anglo American's workforce was HIV

estimates, 21% of Anglo American's workforce was HIV-positive in 2001. Specifically, Dr. Brink
was debating the merits of adding a potentially costly antiretroviral component to the existing
HIV/AIDS program. Looks at the economic impact of HIV/AIDS on the Anglo workforce;
examines the strategic, cost/benefit, and corporate social responsibility issues involved in offering
the antiretroviral drug program to workers; contrasts Anglo's programs with its key competitors;
and considers the financial, implementation, and political challenges involved in launching the
antiretroviral program.
■ Teaching Module: HIV/AIDS and Strategy, prepared by Dr. Mary Gentile
When the challenges of HIV/AIDS in developing countries are integrated into Management
Education, they are often addressed in Business & Society courses or Business Ethics courses.
However, this teaching module provides a set or readings for students as well as some
background readings for faculty that illustrate the importance and relevance of raising this topic
in core Strategy courses.
Many corporate challenges presented by HIV/AIDS – the integration of so-called “non-market”
forces into corporate strategy deliberations; pricing decisions; public policy positions (e.g., with
regard to Intellectual Property Rights, tax incentives, etc.); stakeholder relationships; reputation;
collective industry actions; and product development commitments – are key strategic challenges.
This collection of readings includes four case studies and nine additional readings.
ONGOING QUESTIONS:
■ What stimulus is needed to get programs with no or little class time on this topic to take
notice? What impediments exist?
■ Assuming new best practices for firms tackling AIDS develop in economically strategic
areas such as Brazil, China, and India, will these ideas transfer at all to economically
disadvantaged regions such as sub-Saharan Africa? Can academics aid in facilitating this
transfer, perhaps by disseminating generalized templates of best practice?
■ Hypothetically, what would happen if top-10 business recruiters expected MBA graduates
to have basic knowledge of the business strategy implications of AIDS? Alternatively,
what would happen if top-tier business schools emphasized AIDS as a stand-out feature
in their educational offerings?
RESOURCES:
BeyondGreyPinstripes.org – World’s biggest MBA database, including detailed records on 1,672 courses,
1,730 extracurriculars, and 216 research articles at 128 schools on six continents.
CasePlace.org – A free and practical on-line resource for up-to-date case studies, syllabi, and innovative
teaching materials on business and sustainability. Created for the educators who will shape our next
generation of business leaders!