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De Beers and the Diamond Industry: Squeezing Blood Out of a Precious Stone
Case 9 40 2011 042
Case published in the International Journal of Case Studies in Management, Vol. 9, No. 4
Author : 
Languages : 
  • English
Keywords: 
  • Conflict diamonds,
  • Cartel,
  • De Beers,
  • Developing Countries
Year of production : 
2008
Registration date : 
2011-11-15
Teaching notes included : 
Yes
Abstract

This case addresses the dark side of contemporary capitalism on many fronts. The case focuses on two distinct areas: ethical issues related to the diamond industry and ethical issues related to De Beers. Both sides of civil wars in Africa use diamonds in order to finance military operations. These are called "blood" or conflict diamonds since they originate from an area in which there is internal military conflict between the government and at least one group that opposes the government. Rebels in various African countries have used murder, maiming, rape and slavery to ensure the continuous flow of diamonds from conflict areas. The case also focuses on the power of De Beers, which for many decades controlled 90% of the world's diamond transactions. De Beers has been accused of using its power to intimidate both buyers and sellers of diamonds globally for nearly a century.

Primary domain : 
Management
Secondary domain : 
Not available
Sectors : 
  • Energy and raw materials
Source : 
Elsewhere
Type : 
Traditional case 
Type of data used in the production of the case : 
Undefined
Event location : 
Global
Year of start of the event : 
Not available
Year the event ended : 
Not available
Business size : 
22,000 employees
Teaching objectives

This case can be used in both undergraduate and graduate level classes. It is suitable for management courses that deal with:

  • Management ethics/corporate social responsibility
  • Business policy and strategy
  • Organizational behaviour
  • Labour relations
  • Organizational theory