Why did Rio Tinto really destroy Juukan Gorge? Discuss the behavioural, cultural, and structural factors leading to the decision to destroy the gorge.

Rio Tinto, a multinational mining corporation, destroyed the Juukan Gorge, a 46,000-year-old sacred Aboriginal site in Western Australia, in May 2020. The destruction was part of an expansion of an iron ore mine. The incident sparked international outrage and led to the resignation of several top executives.

1. Behavioural Factors: The decision to destroy the Juukan Gorge can be attributed to a lack of understanding and respect for Indigenous culture and heritage. The company failed to fully comprehend the significance of the site to the local Aboriginal community. This lack of cultural sensitivity and understanding is a behavioural issue that contributed to the decision.

2. Cultural Factors: Rio Tinto's corporate culture may have also played a role. The company's focus on profit and expansion may have overshadowed the importance of preserving cultural heritage sites. This suggests a culture that prioritizes business interests over social and cultural responsibilities.

3. Structural Factors: The company's decision-making structure may have also contributed to the destruction of the Juukan Gorge. The decision was made at a high level, without adequate consultation with the local Aboriginal community. This suggests a top-down decision-making structure where decisions are made without sufficient input from stakeholders.

In conclusion, the destruction of the Juukan Gorge by Rio Tinto was a result of behavioural, cultural, and structural factors within the company. The incident highlights the need for corporations to respect and understand the cultural heritage of the communities in which they operate, and to include these considerations in their decision-making processes.