When Should Companies Weigh in on Contentious Issues?

In a globally connected and highly politicized world, organizations are increasingly expected to comment on social, political, and environmental issues. But taking a stance doesn't always make business sense and can backfire when employees or consumers see a disconnect between leaders’ words and actions. Alison Taylor, associate professor at New York University, says there's a better way to make decisions on corporate speech, which includes involving workers in the process. Taylor is the author of the HBR book Higher Ground: How Business Can Do the Right Thing in a Turbulent World and the HBR article “Corporate Advocacy in a Time of Social Outrage.”

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HBR IdeaCast
Episode 953

When Should Companies Weigh in on Contentious Issues?

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A conversation with NYU’s Alison Taylor about navigating tension in the public sphere.

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February 13, 2024

In a globally connected and highly politicized world, organizations are increasingly expected to comment on social, political, and environmental issues. But taking a stance doesn’t always make business sense and can backfire when employees or consumers see a disconnect between leaders’ words and actions. Alison Taylor, associate professor at New York University, says there’s a better way to make decisions on corporate speech, which includes involving workers in the process. Taylor is the author of the HBR book *Higher Ground: How Business Can Do the Right Thing in a Turbulent World *and the HBR article “Corporate Advocacy in a Time of Social Outrage.”

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This article is about SOCIAL AND GLOBAL ISSUES

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Related Topics:

• Politics

• Corporate social responsibility

• Business ethics

• Transparency

• Society and business relations

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