Assignment No.

1
Coca-Cola Bottling in Rajasthan, India: Tragedy of the Commons
This case provides students with the opportunity to:
• Consider a situation where a company’s profit motive is in direct conflict with a region’s
environmental and economic sustainability, and whether corporate social responsibility (CSR)
canhelp resolve this conflict
• Consider the rights and responsibilities of different community stakeholders: the farmers, the
community, industry, Coca-Cola, and the government to the problem of water sustainability
• Construct an understanding of the concept of the “tragedy of the commons” as it relates to
business, CSR, and government regulation.

Audience
This case is appropriate for undergraduate and graduate business, political science, public policy, and
environmental science students. The case can be used to teach a variety of subjects from business ethics, to
sustainability and environmental stewardship, to corporate social responsibility, as well as public policy in
regards to business and the environment.

Assignment Questions

1. How does the case of Coca-Cola’s Kaladera plant showcase the “tragedy of the commons” issue?
2. What are the different stakeholders’ (Coca-Cola, farmers, community, government) main
concernsregarding water sustainability?
3. What are the different responsibilities of Coca-Cola in regards to the Kaladera plant? To
itsshareholders? To the Kaladera community? To its customers?
4. What should Coca-Cola do as regards business ethics? And CSR?