Peanut Corporation Of America Case Study Summary

In 2009, the United States experienced a national crisis when the Peanut Corporation of America (PCA) was linked to a salmonella outbreak, which resulted in deaths, illnesses, and the recall of thousands of products. The recall consequences were not only felt by PCA but also by large food companies including Kellogs, Petsmart, and General Mills. After the initial outbreak, investigations revealed a series of unethical practices including deplorable physical environments, poor working conditions, and lack of food safety. THE FDA also discovered that plant owner, Stewart Parnell, and plant manager, Sammy Lightsey, knowingly manufactured and shipped tainted products to millions of Americans. This case study will examine the unhealthy motivations that led leadership to engage in unethical behaviors and the factors that made …show more content…
In this case, the individuals responsible for the outbreak include Stewart Parnell, Sammy Lightsey, and plant employees. Although aware of the contaminated products and unsanitary conditions, they refrained from acting and, in some instances, went to great lengths to cover it up. As Parker Palmer suggests, there are various reasons for an individual’s ethical failures including unhealthy motivations, faulty decision-making, lack of expertise, and contextual pressures. Evidence of these “shadow casters” are presented throughout the PCA case study.
Stewart Parnell, the owner of PCA, knowingly made immoral decisions that placed the public at risk. Feeling financially strapped, he directed his employees to ship every batch of product despite receiving positive test results for salmonella. This leadership behavior was driven by his selfishness and, more specifically, his greed. Parnell was the leader of a company that had direct access to our country’s food supply. Despite the public’s trust, he intentionally contaminated the food market for profit