Corporate Advocacy

Corporations have been lobbying politicians for decades on issues such as tax cuts, government regulations and trade policy. In recent years, however, companies have begun wielding their political clout to influence policy on a variety of social and political issues, from LGBTQ rights to climate change to the war in Ukraine. Not everyone agrees that businesses should get involved. Critics say political advocacy is not the purpose of a company, and entering the fray only further divides Americans. Yet as trust in government and the media has declined, the public has looked to corporations and CEOs to fill the void and speak out. Employees and consumers, especially among younger generations, expect the companies they work for or patronize to support like-minded social, environmental or political values. In response, investors are increasingly urging corporate boards to engage on social issues. Yet, Congress and state legislatures have not always responded to corporate pressure — and, in some instances, corporate advocacy has sparked a consumer backlash.