W5 - Literature Flashcards
(77 cards)
What is CEO activism?
The phenomenon where corporate leaders take public stands on political and social issues unrelated to their companies’ bottom lines.
Name three recent controversies that have drawn CEOs into public debates.
- Laws affecting transgender people in North Carolina
- Police shootings in Missouri
- Executive orders on immigration
What historical perspective is given regarding corporations’ roles in politics?
Corporations have long lobbied, contributed to candidates, and funded political action committees to shape public policies.
What does the ‘Michael Jordan dictum’ refer to?
The idea that choosing sides on divisive issues can hurt sales, suggesting executives should avoid taking political stances.
What has led to the rise of CEO activism according to the text?
Increasing political partisanship, social upheaval, and the expectation for CEOs to advocate for broader issues.
What are two types of tactics employed by CEO activists?
- Raising awareness
- Leveraging economic power
How do CEOs typically raise awareness on social issues?
By making public statements, often through media and social platforms, to express their positions on various issues.
What collective action did CEOs take before the UN climate-change negotiations in Paris?
Fourteen major food company CEOs cosigned an open letter urging government leaders to create a strong climate accord.
Give an example of leveraging economic power by CEOs against legislation.
Bill Oesterle, CEO of Angie’s List, canceled its planned expansion in Indiana in response to the Religious Freedom Restoration Act.
What is a potential consequence of CEO activism mentioned in the text?
It can lead to charges of hypocrisy if companies continue operating in ways that contradict their public stances.
What is one risk associated with CEO activism?
Affiliating with political leaders or causes can provoke backlash from consumers and stakeholders.
What did research from Weber Shandwick and KRC Research find about Millennials’ views on CEO activism?
Large percentages believe CEOs have a responsibility to speak out on political and social issues, affecting their purchasing decisions.
What did Tim Cook’s activism regarding Indiana’s religious freedom bill influence?
It increased purchasing intent for Apple products among supporters of same-sex marriage without alienating opponents.
What should CEOs consider when deciding what issues to weigh in on?
The potential social impact of their advocacy and how their statements will be received in a politically polarized environment.
What is the significance of silence in the context of CEO activism?
Silence may be perceived as tacit approval of controversial actions or statements made by political leaders.
Fill in the blank: CEO activism can generate goodwill for the company but need not alienate those who _______.
[disagree with the CEO’s stance]
What is one example of a backlash faced by a CEO due to their activism?
Under Armour’s CEO Kevin Plank faced criticism after praising Trump, leading to a boycott hashtag.
What is the CEO Activist’s Playbook?
A guide for leaders on whether and how to speak out on social and political issues based on empirical research.
True or False: CEO activism has always been a common practice among corporate leaders.
False
What is the effect of political affiliation on consumer perception of CEO activism?
Consumers view CEO activism through the lens of their party affiliation, impacting their perceptions positively or negatively.
Which issues are more likely to improve a CEO’s brand image among both Democrats and Republicans?
Less divisive issues such as parental leave and STEM education.
What did the Global Strategy Group study find about public stances on economic vs. social issues?
Both Democrats and Republicans agreed it was fitting for companies to take public stances on economic issues, but there was less consensus on social issues.
Fill in the blank: Immigration is a _______ issue for CEOs due to varied public reactions.
[complex]
What factors contributed to the different public reactions faced by Hamdi Ulukaya and Mohamad Ali regarding immigration?
Ulukaya focused on moral obligations for refugees, while Ali emphasized immigrants as job creators.