Abstract
This case explores the changes wrought by the “sharing economy”, examining the innovations and controversies surrounding the online ride-hailing service Uber. It provides a unique overview of the challenges posed by new business models like Uber’s, which use the internet to link individual providers of goods and services to customers. Raising significant economic, social and environmental sustainability issues, it asks: what are the responsibilities of “sharing economy” companies? More specifically, are they merely “technological platforms” facilitating transactions for private individuals or do they have the same responsibilities as real-world companies such as transportation businesses, hotels and employment agencies?
Author | N. Craig Smith Erin McCormick |
Institutions | INSEAD |
Competition Year | 2017 |
Place | Second Prize |
Track | Corporate Sustainability |
Key Words | Ethics, Shared Economy |
Courses | Sustainable Finance, Strategic Management, Finance, Business Sustainability, Business and Society, or Environmental Entrepreneurship |
Target Audience | MBAs, Undergrads |
Permission rights | This case will be published by INSEAD. You find an inspection copy for download as soon as it is available in the link bellow. |
Download | Inspection Copy |