Some small businesses, by the very nature of what they produce or market, find it difficult to clarify how they plan to fulfill the four levels of social responsibility

(economic, legal, ethical, and philanthropic).

Through strategic planning, even companies in somewhat controversial and questionable industries can define how they will be socially responsible. Consider Grand Casinos of Minneapolis. As more and more states have legalized gambling in selected locations, Lyle Berman, CEO of Grand Casinos, has been there to develop and manage the casinos. His company has proved so successful that it ranked first on Fortune’s list of America’s 100 fastest-growing companies. Yet Grand Casinos’ business—gambling—tends to arouse considerable controversy. Obviously, Berman could use strategic planning to help identify areas in which his company could fulfill its social responsibilities.

Question 1. You’re in charge of strategic planning for Grand Casinos. The company wants to open and manage a casino in rural Iowa. Community residents have asked you and your strategic planning team to attend a town meeting to discuss the casino.

You’ll need to prepare a description of how your company is fulfilling its social responsibility. (Use Figure 3.1 as a guide.) Other members of the class will act as community residents. As a resident, prepare your questions and concerns for confronting the Grand Casinos team.