Research Article
Myanmar’s Democracy Crisis and Posco: ESG iusses in Posco’s International Business
1 Jeonbuk National University
Published: January 2022 · Vol. 26, No. 1 · pp. 1-35
DOI: https://doi.org/10.17287/kbr.2022.26.1.1
Full Text
Abstract
Corporate social responsibility (CSR) has recently regained attention in the name of ESG (environment, society, and governance). ESG issues embedded in the entire management area might emerge as challenges to businesses in an unexpected context. A military coup engendered Myanmar's crisis in 2021, which causing concerns from the world. Posco and its affiliated company, Posco International, have been caught in claims. They have been blamed that their natural gas business in Myanmar is backing the military dictatorship, and thus might be a part of the causes of the Myanmar democracy crisis. This case is designed to provide a class discussion on ESG issues of Posco's global business. First, this case explains ESG issues that global companies might encounter when expanding businesses in emerging economies, particularly in unstable political situations. Second, it provides the groundwork of various perspectives to analyze and develop measures to address such ESG issues in the global business context. This case does not directly depict Posco's ESG management. It does not intend to illustrate either effective or ineffective handling of a managerial situation and judgment of the right thing of businesses. However, this can apply to case discussions regarding business ethics according to the teaching plan.
