What was Intel's primary interest in sourcing materials, according to the case?

• A. To distance themselves from human rights abuses associated with conflict minerals.
• B. To maximize profits regardless of sourcing.
• C. To diversify supplier bases.
• D. To accelerate product launches.

Answer: (A)

The main idea being tested is ethical responsibility in the supply chain, specifically ensuring minerals come from sources free of human rights abuses. Intel’s primary interest was to distance itself from the abuses tied to conflict minerals and to protect people, the company’s reputation, and compliance with regulatory expectations. This focus on sourcing practices reflects a priority on responsible, transparent procurement over simply chasing profits or speeding up launches. While diversifying suppliers can be part of a broader strategy, the case centers on the ethical implications of where materials come from and the need to avoid funding or enabling harm.