Our study explores historical paradoxes in the coffee industry, focusing on the persistent tension between pragmatism and idealism. Paradoxes are defined as persistent conflicts between opposing yet complementary forces. For example, organizations must balance stability with the need for change. We analyzed the coffee industry in the United States over a century, from the 1910s to the 2020s, using archives from Harvard Business School’s Baker Library and other specialized sources. Our research highlights the paradox between pragmatic concerns (such as coffee supply during wartime) and ideological values (like sustainability concerns in the early 2000s). This tension, influenced by historical contexts, is ever-present. For managers, it is crucial to adapt strategies to cultural trends while balancing practical and idealistic goals. Understanding this dynamic helps navigate the complex landscape of the coffee industry, and this lesson is applicable to other sectors as well.
03:52
Antony, together with his colleagues from NEOMA, presents research conducted with the University of Bristol on how international companies choose countries for sourcing. The concept of "country risk," once focused on economic conditions and political stability, now includes three major sociopolitical factors: populism, which creates regulatory uncertainty; state fragility, which affects suppliers’ ability to deliver; and checks and balances, which can limit but not always prevent political drift.
The study, covering 1,300 U.S. companies and their suppliers in 90 countries, shows that these factors directly influence sourcing decisions. Examples like Samsung and H&M illustrate this shift toward countries perceived as more stable. In conclusion, companies must strengthen their geopolitical monitoring to anticipate risks and secure their supply chains.
- Research
- Logistics and Supply Chain
