Environmental Responsibility or Greenwashing? Philip Morris’ Societal Alignment Strategy
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Environmental Responsibility or Greenwashing? Philip Morris’ Societal Alignment Strategy Joshua S. Yang Department of Health Science California State University, Fullerton Funding Source: NCI CA-113710-02
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Environmental Responsibility or Greenwashing? Philip Morris’ Societal Alignment Strategy. Joshua S. Yang Department of Health Science California State University, Fullerton Funding Source: NCI CA-113710-02. “Will Big Business Save The Earth?. - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
Transcript of Environmental Responsibility or Greenwashing? Philip Morris’ Societal Alignment Strategy
Environmental Responsibility or Greenwashing? Philip Morris’ Societal Alignment Strategy
Joshua S. YangDepartment of Health Science
California State University, Fullerton
Funding Source: NCI CA-113710-02
“Will Big Business Save The Earth?
“…we should get over the misimpression that American business cares only about immediate profits, and we should reward companies that work to keep the planet healthy.”
-Jared DiamondNew York Times, 5 December
2009
Societal alignment:
“Shorthand way of saying we want to be and be seen as a responsible manufacturer and marketer of our products.” (emphasis added)
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Areas of Alignment
Youth smoking
Health effects oftobacco products
Support of“reasonable” regulation
Responsible marketing
Comply with regulatoryrequirements
Reduced harm products
Value employees
Engage with business partners
Reduce environmentalimpact
Community development
Ensure return to investors
The health effects of tobacco products
The expectation…
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“…a responsible tobacco company must‘acknowledge’ both ‘the health effects’ and ‘theaddictiveness’ of their products.”
“Coming clean” on the health effects of tobacco products
The alignment…
“…we should pay close attention to the concerns and criticisms of public health authorities… the public expects that from us.”(emphasis added)
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“…agree with the over-whelming medical and scientific consensus that cigarette smoking is addictive and causes serious diseases…”
“Coming clean” on the health effects of tobacco products
The truth…
• PM has not admitted deception in previous statements on the health effects of smoking
• PM has not changed its legal position on the health effects of smoking
• “Agreeing” is not accepting liability
PM Public Opinion Data, 2004
Wish there was some way to eliminate cigarettes 68%
All cigarette advertising should be banned 62%
Right and responsible thing to do… go out of business 59%
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Discussion
• “Sustainability” must be broadened to keep not only the planet healthy but people healthy as well.
• Benefits of environmental initiatives should not mask the social costs of a corporation’s continued operation.
• “Societal alignment” was a selective repackaging of previous positions on key issues.
