Future of Hyatt Regency Maui’s African Penguin Colony: An Analysis of Stakeholders

This case provides students with an opportunity to use a stakeholder theory framework to analyze the interests and influence that various stakeholders have on Hyatt’s African penguin colony. Hyatt’s penguin colony has delighted guests and visitors for over 40 years. In order for the colony to survive, four African penguins need to be imported for breeding. Unfortunately, the Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture’s Executive Board did not grant Hyatt’s request for an import permit. Evidently, changing attitudes by government officials and certain interest groups toward tourism and related issues impacted their decision. What should Hyatt management do?