Ethical Dilemma: Northern Energy, Inc. (Northern)

is a large oil company with production and marketing operations worldwide. You are a recently hired manager at Northern’s subsidiary in Nigeria, which provides jobs to hundreds of Nigerians and supports many local merchants and suppliers.

Suppose Northern’s drilling and refining practices have severely damaged the natural environment in Nigeria, polluting the air, land, and water. As a result, Northern has faced violent protests and much negative publicity in Nigeria. Develop suggestions for how Northern should address these issues. Keep in mind that top management is reluctant to invest significant new resources in Nigeria, given the firm’s weakening business performance there.