The coffee shop dilemma: a case of entrepreneur activism or ethical dissent?
Publication date: 12 August 2022
Issue publication date: 21 November 2022
Abstract
Theoretical basis
This case offers the students to see the impact business ethics concepts, including corporate social responsibility, ethical obligation, ethical strategy, alienation, corporate activism, sociopolitical activism, symbolism, transparency, integrity, decoupled organization, opportunism, moral muteness or moral exclusion, etc. Through the student’s own ethical sensitivity, they can then make an informed decision grounded in fundamental ethical theories such as Utilitarianism, Kantianism, Ethics of Care, Virtue Theory, Confucianism, etc.
Research methodology
Data for this case has been gathered entirely from publicly available secondary sources, including online resources, mainstream media reports, biased (opinion-based) media outlets, social media statements from all stakeholder groups (students, business, university) and meeting minutes from campus organizations. None of the named individuals nor entities, in this case, have ever been contacted by the authors.
Case overview/synopsis
In Fall 2020, Boise State University contracted a locally owned and operated coffee shop to open a location on-campus. The shop owner was engaged to a police officer who had been permanently injured in an altercation with a dangerous fugitive. For his sacrifice, this police officer was awarded the Medal of Honor from the City of Boise. To support her fiancé, the coffee shop owner displayed a Thin Blue Line flag on the front door of her off-campus location. Students heard of this display and began to voice their objections through administrative and social media channels. The business countered back at claims that they supported racism and ultimately asked to be released from their contract with the university. They closed their on-campus business, having operated the location for less than two months. Media representation of this case created a vocal response both from those who support the business’ use of this imagery and those who support the student’s decision to boycott this business on ethical grounds.
Complexity academic level
Business ethics: 300–400 level; Business strategy: 300–400 level.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
Author’s statement: The authors developed the case for class discussion rather than to illustrate either effective or ineffective handling of the situation. All rights are reserved to the authors.Disclaimer. This case is written solely for educational purposes and is not intended to represent successful or unsuccessful managerial decision making. The author/s may have disguised names; financial and other recognizable information to protect confidentiality.
Citation
Villegas, S.G. and Monaghan-Geernaert, P. (2022), "The coffee shop dilemma: a case of entrepreneur activism or ethical dissent?", , Vol. 18 No. 6, pp. 913-932. https://doi.org/10.1108/TCJ-06-2021-0090
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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