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Corporate socio-political (in)activism on the issue of immigration
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Co-authored with Zena Al-Esia, Kostas Iatridis, and Ayse Yorgancioglu
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Abstract:
Corporate socio-political activism (CSA) has gained prominence due to increasing pressure from investors, consumers, and employees, pushing companies to take public stances on controversial issues such as LGBTQ rights, racial inequality, climate change, and gender rights. However, despite this growing trend, many companies and their leaders still opt for doing nothing in addressing these issues, a phenomenon we label corporate socio-political inactivism. Traditionally, the justification for staying silent was the view that business should avoid political engagement. Yet, as societal polarization intensifies, there is growing expectation for businesses to take a stand on divisive issues. This study focuses on the reasons behind corporate inactivism, particularly regarding immigration, a highly polarized issue. Through interviews with senior managers from companies operating in diverse political regimes - democratic, hybrid, and autocratic - this research examines the various factors that influence corporate inactivism. The findings highlight that corporate inactivism is driven by both instrumental and normative reasons, and that the national context plays a crucial role in determining corporate behaviour. This study expands the understanding of CSA by focusing on inaction and the factors that lead companies to remain silent on socio-political issues, complementing existing research on activism.
Bio:
Andrew Crane is Professor of Business and Society and Director of the Centre for Business, Organisations and Society in the School of Management at the University of Bath, UK. He is a leading author, researcher, educator and commentator on corporate responsibility, the political role of firms, and the business of modern slavery. His books include an award-winning textbook on Business Ethics, the Oxford Handbook of Corporate Social Responsibility, and Social Partnerships and Responsible Business. He is a member of the Forced Labour Forum in the Home Office and is a frequent contributor to the media, including the Financial Times, New York Times, Globe and Mail, Wall Street Journal, The Guardian, and Vogue Business. For more details go to