Navigating Corporate Advocacy Amidst Social Unrest

HBR
HBR
12M ago
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The article discusses how companies are increasingly expected to take a stand on social issues, which can be a double-edged sword. The rise of social outrage and activism has put pressure on corporations to engage in advocacy, but doing so can affect their reputation and bottom line. The article explores strategies for businesses to navigate this complex landscape.
Navigating Corporate Advocacy Amidst Social Unrest
A What happened
The article discusses how companies are increasingly expected to take a stand on social issues, which can be a double-edged sword. The rise of social outrage and activism has put pressure on corporations to engage in advocacy, but doing so can affect their reputation and bottom line. The article explores strategies for businesses to navigate this complex landscape.
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Key insights

  • 1

    The Growing Expectation for Corporate Advocacy: Businesses are increasingly expected to take public stances on social issues. This expectation stems from both internal stakeholders, such as employees, and external ones, such as customers and the public.

  • 2

    Risks and Rewards of Advocacy: While engaging in advocacy can strengthen a company's brand and align it with its values, it also poses risks. Companies may face backlash from opposing stakeholders, and missteps can lead to significant reputational damage.

  • 3

    Strategic Approaches to Advocacy: The article suggests that companies should be strategic about their advocacy, ensuring alignment with their core values and stakeholder interests. Transparency and consistency are key to maintaining credibility.

Read the full article on HBR