The Ethical Leadership Collection: Long-form Case Studies
The items in this case archive have been developed by the Ted Rogers Leadership Centre and are free to download and use for educational purposes. The long-form cases, written on a variety of topics, generally run to five pages. Many include “twists”, which take the initial context to the next level. The teaching-method recommendations can be found at the end of the long-form cases.
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Can an insurtech's risk management systems keep up with its innovative business model?
Written by: Ilona Niemi, Ph.D., MPM
Case # 023-001
Keywords: board governance, board oversight, risk appetite, data, ai, cyber risk, third-party and nth party risk, privacy risk, data privacy and protection, financial services, insurance, insurtech, digitalization, customer trust and brand reputation
What are the next steps for two female entrepreneurs and their indie beauty start-up?
Written by: Gail Cook Johnson, Ph.D.
Case # 021-002
Keywords: entrepreneurship, venture capital, business planning, gender-based business issues, beauty industry
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Challenges When Trying to Finance Growth
Ethical Leadership Case Study Collection
Written by: Gail Cook Johnson, Ph.D.
Case # 020-001
Keywords: entrepreneurship, private equity, finance, deal negotiation, organization development, ethics, decision-making
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A compliance officer detects trouble brewing, but can she find enough evidence to convince the board before it all blows up?
Written by: Ilona Niemi, Ph.D., MPM
Case # 019-001
Keywords: compliance, sales, financial services, regulatory technology, global business compliance, governance
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The Challenge of Integrated Business Planning
(PDF file) The Twist (opens in new window)
Pamela finds herself in a bit of a pickle when she is asked to be "flexible" with her financial projections
Written by: Gail Cook Johnson, Ph.D.
Case # 017-003
Keywords: integrated business planning, financial forecasting, ethical decision-making, marketing
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A Decision Regarding Privacy and Technology in a Hiring Process
During job interviews, people read more than just cover letters, resumés, and references
Written by: Hasko Von Kriegstein, Ph.D.
Case # 017-001
Keywords: startup growth, human resources management, hiring, transparency, privacy, emotion recognition software
(PDF file) Version Français / French version: <<En plein visage>>
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Making Responsible Tourism Work On A Global Scale
(PDF file) The Twist (opens in new window)
Jackson finds himself having to juggle local customs, corporate policy, and the law
Written by: Gail Cook Johnson, Ph.D.
Case # 016-004
Keywords: international business, local customs, bribery, kickbacks
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What happens when student athletes break the rules
The stellar reputation of Winslet College and its athletes are threatened by an underage drinker and allegations of hazing.
Written By: Jessica Griffiths, B. Comm., Gail Cook Johnson, Ph.D.
Case # 015-004
Keywords: sports management, disciplinary decisions, student life, university administration
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Sam Shore's Troubled Deliberations
Sam Shore’s company needs capital. A venture capitalist is willing to invest, but it could mean a revision of the company’s values.
Written by: Gail Cook Johnson, Ph.D.
Case # 019-006
Keywords: entrepreneurship, technology, organizational development, diversity, leadership, venture capital
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Responsibility for Worker Safety in the global Supply Chain
A supplier's factory explodes prompting Sareh to investigate. She finds more to consider than first met the eye
Written by: Chris MacDonald, Ph.D.
Case # 017-002
Keywords: sweatshop labour, factory safety, risk management, supply chain, corporate social responsibility
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When is it okay? Who does it hurt?
(PDF file) The Twist (opens in new window)
Dennis Richter discovers his colleagues practise a corrosive leadership style and smooth accounts to maximize performance
Written by: Gail Cook Johnson, Ph.D., Vasilina Demidovich, CPA, CA, ACC, CHPC
Case # 019-005
Keywords: accounting, income smoothing, materiality, finance
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Addressing Social Reality in Video Gaming
(PDF file) The Twist (opens in new window)
Lukas's new employee has great ideas for videogames with positive ethical themes, but may have done something dubious
Written by: Gail Cook Johnson, Ph.D.
Case # 016-003
Keywords: videogames, sexism, human resources management, hiring, doxing
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Transitioning from a Small- to a Medium-Sized Business
The challenges that come with growing a small family-owned business are augmented by health & safety concerns.
Written by: Kyle Menken, M.A. and Hasko Von Kriegstein, Ph.D.
Case # 016-001
Keywords: family business, small business, restructuring, health and safety, workplace injury, nepotism
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Talking corporate values & living corporate values
David sees Albert as a shoo-in for CEO, but learns of some disturbing allegations against him
Written by: Gail Cook Johnson, Ph.D.
Case # 015-003
Keywords: sexual harassment, publicity, hospitality, ethical leadership
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George Hammersmith's Dilemma
Passion for the theatre is not the only thing inflamed. Drama happens offstage as old rivals clash
Written by: Gail Cook Johnson, Ph.D.
Case # 015-001
Keywords: ethical leadership, board governance, reporting, human resources management
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When a Sales Leader Loses Perspective
(PDF file) The Twist (opens in new window)
Evangeline sees the firm is in jeopardy unless organizational issues are addressed urgently. But her boss, is not paying attention
Written by: Kerry Mitchell, Media and Sales Executive, Gail Cook Johnson, Ph.D.
Case # 019-007
Key Words: sales, entrepreneurship, technology, brand development, finance, B Corp, Indigenous partnerships
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Quality assurance in a third-party process
Ranjeet faces quality issues of imported materials, and has costs, deadlines, and a company reputation to consider.
Written by: Gail Cook Johnson, Ph.D., Grigor Edward Cook, P.Eng.
Case # 015-002
Keywords: ethical leadership, quality assurance, international business
Teaching Notes
To assist instructors in creating optimal learning experiences, we have included ways they can ensure that students have read and come prepared to discuss their analysis in class. Steps include individual student preparation, in-class discussion, individual reflection as well as a marking rubric. (PDF file) Download the Teaching Notes. (opens in new window)
We value your feedback!
Please inform us of your experience by contacting Dr. Gail Cook Johnson, our mentor-in-residence, at gcookjohnson@torontomu.ca.
