Resource hub

Founder of the Institute for Political Innovation and a Harvard Professor teamed up to identify the most powerful levers for transformation in American politics. Calls on corporate leaders to reconsider political engagement practices that contribute to gridlock and undermine long-term US competitiveness. 

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The New Political Capitalism bridges the gap between the reality of the relationship between business and politics, and the lack of familiarity of the business community, even at the most senior levels, with political thinking.  

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Reveals increased corporate engagement in social issues amid political uncertainty, resulting in a three-percentage-point surge in public trust for major companies. Shows variation in trust across industries and age demographics. Suggests concerns about institutional and corporate influence, and optimism regarding the growing prominence of small businesses. 

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Investigates the impact  of 527 organizations – a lesser-known channel of political spending. Exposes contradictions betweens companies’ stated values and commitments and actual impacts of this channel for election-related spending from corporate treasury funds. 

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 Outlines trends toward rising CEO activism and its influence, risks, and rewards. Shares research suggesting that CEOs must strategically decide when and how to engage with social and political issues, and offers a playbook for CEOs to embrace transparency and accountability to their company values. 

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When businesses prioritize short-term financial interests with minimal transparency, they create an inherent risk of corporate policy capture, exacerbating political and economic inequalities and increasing calls for regulation. A new approach to corporate political engagement that builds on existing frameworks, “right-sizing” corporate voice means business uses its legitimate and necessary political voice without dominating the policymaking process. Drawing on the Erb Principles, this briefing outlines five principles for right-sizing voice, enabling companies to align their political engagement with the protection of human rights, delivery of ambitious environmental goals, support for civic institutions, and the needs of society. 

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Businesses confront the choice between “Exit” and “Voice” in political engagement. Embracing “Voice” through political participation can enhance loyalty and corporate social responsibility, benefiting both companies and society. 

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Examines corporate involvement in politics and the risks these can create, advocating for restrained engagement, respect for democratic processes, and the empowerment of individual employees as citizens.    GO >

Presents a framework for businesses on handling social and political issues, urging alignment with company values, potential for meaningful impact, and stakeholder consensus. Underscores strategic, authentic communication over reactionary stances. 

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Highlights widespread support for prioritizing workers and fair wages in the face of economic challenges. A perceived gap between public desires and corporate priorities, coupled with eroding trust in large corporations, suggests that investing in workers is key. Data shows strong support for workers’ rights and collective bargaining. 

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Underscores the pitfalls of ‘stakeholder capitalism’ because it lacks focus on the central role of customer engagement and value-creation. Emphasizes the need for clear customer-focused strategies and a shift from traditional bureaucratic practices for sustained success. 

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Argues that stakeholder capitalism leads brands to adopt a meaningful purpose and engage in corporate social responsibility as an integral part of their business strategy. Emphasizes companies being attentive to consumer values, actively working on solutions, and avoiding polarization, recognizing that passive consumerism is a thing of the past. Also highlights the impact of elections on long-term reputation. 

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Highlights that consumers are responsive to a company’s political engagement, emphasizing the intrinsic link between purpose and politics. Calls out the need for active management and careful review of issues engaged. 

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Emphasizes the rise of employee-led activism in shaping corporate social responsibility, stressing that successful companies must actively embody their values and respond to social issues to attract and retain talent. Advocates for leaders to redefine profit measurements, prioritize employee satisfaction, and encourage workplace cultures driven by purpose beyond traditional financial success.    GO >

Highlights the rise of employee activism as an internal force for change. Advises managers to engage with these movements proactively, to foster innovation and enhance company culture. 

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Describes the Center for Political Accountability’s expanded scrutiny of corporate political spending—driven by investor demands for greater transparency—to include Russell 1000 companies. Highlights the growing significance of political ethics in business strategies and investment decisions. 

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 Summarizes the debate about whether public companies should disclose political spending. Addresses objections raised by opponents of mandatory disclosure, addressing concerns about counterproductivity and potential First Amendment violations. 

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Highlights the surge in shareholder activism, urging companies to listen to investor demands for greater transparency and ethical conduct, driving corporate responsibility and ensuring alignment with long-term democratic and environmental values. 

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Commissioner Allison Herren Lee addresses misconceptions about ESG disclosures, emphasizing the lack of mandates on corporate political spending and the potential pitfalls of company-led statements. Calls for regulatory scrutiny. 

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Describes legitimacy problems where corporations may use worker investors’ funds for political spending without transparency or accountability to those investors or civil society. Outlines investment managers’  political power in resolving this issue and tendency to  support policies contrary to worker investors’ interests. 

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Encourages responsible corporate political engagement. Highlighting precedent-setting principles, the report details risks from irresponsible political engagement practices (e.g. the revolving door), burdening companies, investors, and society.     GO >

Explores House Republicans’ proposed legislation limiting the SEC’s authority on climate disclosure for public companies. Raises concerns about economic repercussions and stresses the importance of data crucial to investment strategies. 

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Senate Republicans caution law firms about potential antitrust violations linked to ESG issues. Targets efforts limiting fossil fuel supplies and raising energy costs, hinting at possible referrals to antitrust authorities. 

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Examines House Republicans’ proposed legislation limiting the SEC’s authority on climate disclosure for public companies. Raises concerns about economic repercussions and stresses the importance of data crucial to investment strategies. 

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Empowers investors to confront companies that generate adverse impacts on society and the environment while delivering financial returns. Highlights duty of investment professionals to combat risks through Instrumental Investing for Sustainability Impact (IFSI).    GO >

Explores if investors should go beyond financial returns to pursue environmental and social goals. Evaluates legal landscape in 11 global investment hubs. Critical resource for institutional investors shaping legal systems for sustainability.    GO >

Highlights 2023’s surge in state-level ESG legislation, surpassing 200 bills since 2020. Observes increased disclosures for investment advisers, stricter compliance requirements for companies, and California’s notable climate-related laws.     GO >

 Challenges historical approaches to corporate sustainability, arguing for a shift towards addressing systemic change. Urges examination of public policy aspects as integral to sustainability solutions. 

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Explores corporate greenwashing’s impact on sustainability claims, revealing how factors like corporate growth and profits influence the choice between greenwashing and brownwashing. External scrutiny is identified as a moderating factor. 

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Companies serious about meeting climate targets know that advocating for pro-climate measures and intervening when their trade groups lobby against them can help bring about policies that unlock investment and deliver action at scale. Developed by the We Mean Business Coalition and Ceres alongside a taskforce of leading NGO partners with input from over 60 companies, The Responsible Policy Engagement (RPE) framework enables companies to reap the business benefits of responsible advocacy and respond to rising stakeholder expectations. The Framework references the Erb Principles for CPR as a useful resource to support companies’ work to establish governance, decision-making and review processes on climate lobbying.

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As new energy policies and regulations emerge, businesses must be able to adapt and navigate the energy transition. In this guide, learn how business leaders can prepare by exploring how market dynamics will transform over the coming decade. 

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Contains LobbyMap’s analysis of target companies and their industry associations, as well as additional resources on corporate climate policy engagement disclosures and shareholder resolutions.. 

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Urges business to include climate policy advocacy aligned with their sustainability strategies. Advocates for science-based climate actions, including supporting legislation aligned with the 1.5°C temperature limit and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, emphasizing the importance of lobbying efforts aligning with these objectives.    GO >

Guides companies in understanding and aligning the climate policies of their trade associations with science-based targets.    GO >

Emphasizes the need for corporate action on sustainability issues through the Global Standard. This standard provides 14 indicators for investors to be aware of, ranging from committing to Paris-aligned climate lobbying to engaging in positive lobbying.     GO >

Highlights the need to align advocacy efforts with climate commitments, supporting policies for achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Addresses internal alignment challenges within companies and the absence of a global RPE (Responsible Political Engagement) framework.    GO >

Contrasts common-good capitalism with the modern shareholder-dominated economy. Advocates for restoring balance by prioritizing worker benefits and economic fairness. Analyzes how large corporations have become beholden to shareholder and bank demands, reducing innovation and limiting financial opportunity for other stakeholders 

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This handbook presents a comprehensive agenda for restoring conservative economics and rebuilding American capitalism. Each section features analysis and policy proposals and commentary from policy experts, as well as a brief memo for conservative policymakers with recommendations for addressing the issues at hand.  

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Discusses creating a new social contract in business, emphasizing collaboration between public and private entities. Highlights the opportunity areas specifically for businesses. (Resource is 71 pages in full; 9-page summary linked here).

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Emphasizes the importance of fairness, bias reduction, and privacy protection in the use of artificial intelligence technologies. Calls for a collaborative approach to address ethical challenges through research, diversity, standards development, and regulatory modernization. 

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Argues for policy grounded in conservative economics frameworks, recalling that the purpose of markets is to serve society and expand societal welfare. Calls on policy makers to align economic policy positions with this purpose and public priorities.     GO >

Emphasizes the need to define supplier standards, align philanthropy with values, link political activities with social strategy, monitor investor trends, engage authentic employee social involvement, and communicate transparent impact plans to customers.    GO >

Calls on the global business community to shift from extractive to regenerative practices, emphasizing equity-driven solutions for those most impacted by climate change. Encourages businesses to incorporate all stakeholders in their decisions and take responsibility to reduce their negative environmental impacts.    GO >

Presents an all-encompassing guide for institutions to equitably transition to net-zero emissions, including four pillars and 20 building blocks, with practical examples and calls to ensure alignment with just transition assessment methodologies. Guiding principles include fostering collaboration and transparency throughout the process.    GO >

Outlines the critical threats facing U.S. democratic institutions and how weakening political structures can affect the business environment. Provides actionable strategies business leaders can use to mitigate these risks and help stabilize U.S. democracy. 

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Argues that multinational companies should adopt a new geopolitical corporate responsibility, using influential economic power to support the international rules-based order during stress or challenges. 

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Outlines how the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol insurrection was predictable, given declines in eight “pillars of positive peace.” Recommends averting future violence by strengthening these pillars, which include well-functioning government, sound business environment, low levels of corruption, and respect for the rights of others. 

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Discusses persistent decline in trust in major institutions in the U.S. Highlights that small businesses and the military are most trusted, while Congress is at 8% and big business at 14%. 

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Reveals that public trust in the federal government has dropped to near-record lows following a trend of declining trust since the 1960s, with partisan and racial disparities in trust levels. 

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Provides detailed data on how corporate contributions to state-level 527 groups ended up enabling legislation that reduced voter access. 

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Provides a historical link between a decline in leadership by large corporations and policy eras contributing to political polarization. Argues for private sector investment in public policy, advocating for sustained involvement beyond one-off CSR initiatives. 

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Explores the history, emotion, and power of effective argumentation to promote more constructive debates and mutual learning in America. Shares key principles, including removing the focus on winning, prioritizing relationships and engaged listening, considering context, embracing vulnerability, and creating space for transformation. 

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Outlines examples of democratic decline and threats to the foundational elements of societies, as well as steps businesses can take to address these challenges. 

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A clear and tactical guide for creating an inclusive and engaged workplace, celebrating milestones along the way, and making measurable impact in supporting a thriving democracy. 

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Too many nonprofits and foundations reject lobbying as dubious. But a new movement is reclaiming this practice as essential for promoting social change.

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Assembles a robust playbook for companies to help empower people and support a strong democracy. Includes concepts for the business case, self-assessment questions, and concrete steps to engage employees, consumers, and stakeholders more representatively.    GO >

Explores how the business community can incorporate conflict navigation and relationship-building in employee training and development. Provides information on how America’s divides are affecting businesses and supports to help these challenges.     GO >

Encourages businesses to actively participate in fostering resilient, inclusive societies as part of UN Sustainable Development Goal 16. Advocates for access to justice and effective, accountable institutions to promote a better and more equitable future.    GO >

Provides information on various aspects of democratic systems, including campaign finance, business engagement, threats, and innovation. Enhances conversations around protecting and renewing American democracy.     GO >

Promotes the establishment of a voluntary public database to monitor the political stances and documents of advocacy groups. The objective is to enhance transparency in the lobbying process, simplifying the identification of stakeholders and their positions in crucial policy discussions.    GO >

Discusses the need for institutional investors to consider U.S. political risk in investment decisions amid democratic erosion. 

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Discusses the rise of populist leaders. Explores their tendency to centralize power, sideline institutional checks, and implement policies challenging conventional political categories. Analyzes the impact on businesses navigating this political landscape. 

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 Identifies the role of business in political gridlock. Proposes solutions for businesses to contribute positive social and economic impact  (see pages 28-36). 

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Introduces the concept of “net positive” companies. Urges corporate leaders to proactively address societal and environmental challenges. Outlines four critical paths for businesses to thrive: serving multiple stakeholders, taking ownership of impacts, forming deep partnerships, and addressing systemic challenges through advocacy and government collaboration.    GO >

Outlines four major forces undermining the conditions needed for markets to create societal value. Emphasizes shifting focus of economic policy toward societal outcomes to ensure businesses serve shareholders, stakeholders, and society at large.    GO >

Highlights the concept of Corporate Political Responsibility (CPR) and why companies have an obligation to ensure their political activities help protect the systems on which society depends. Explores the four CPR principles and how businesses can use them to determine whether and how to engage in the political sphere. 

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Explores the debate on prioritizing shareholders versus broader stakeholders. Highlights Erb Institute’s CPR principles as a tool to improve markets and outcomes for all stakeholders. 

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Examines the reasons for our current “captured economy” and how the Erb Principles for CPR broaden the considerations of political involvement for corporate leaders. Offers real-world scenarios for businesses to consider how to engage in political activities without encroaching on the public interest  

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Explores how the Erb Principles for CPR provide a framework for an evolution in lobbying from shareholder primacy to stakeholder capitalism. Calls on corporations to refocus lobbying and influence strategies on a more transparent, accountable approach.

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Provides insight on development of the Erb Principles for CPR and outlines three bases for political engagement. Offers scenarios for corporate consideration and action on social and environmental challenges.

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Examines interconnected perils that companies face in a new era of corporate political responsibility. Explores how business leaders are rethinking political involvement and adopting integrated, proactive approaches to corporate political responsibility. 

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Explores how the Erb Principles for Corporate Political Responsibility offer a comprehensive set of standards to help harmonize free market capitalism and constitutional democracy. Outlines three components of the principles and corporate actions that align with responsible political behavior.   

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Offers an authoritative overview of corporate political spending types and current scores for S&P 500 on disclosure, prohibition, and oversight. 

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Explores the campaign-finance role of 527 committees and how they influence elections. Provides examples of donor-influenced legislation that has reshaped politics and policy.  

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Represents Global Reporting Initiative standards related to companies’ public policy management. Requires companies to report on their approach and alignment of political influence activities with stated objectives. 

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Offers checklists as a practical tool for assessing and enhancing responsible corporate political engagement, covering various aspects such as political contributions, lobbying practices, stakeholder engagement, and organizational structure. 

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Benchmarks companies’ progress against the UN Sustainable Development Goals, by outlining and tracking  18 core social indicators (CSIs). Includes one indicator (CSI 18) on corporate political engagement, drawing from Transparency International principles. 

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Introduces the concept of a “net positive business” that contributes more to society than it takes. Outlines “net positive advocacy,” where companies collaborate for policies that support systemic solutions and positive outcomes.  

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Provides five principles to guide companies in using political influence responsibly, including legitimacy, transparency, consistency, accountability, and opportunity. Offers particular detail on transparency, and outlines positive roles for lobbying.  

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Examines the origins and societal impact of dark money, offering a pioneering database that sheds light on transactions in the shadows. 

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Summarizes the Senator’s weekly climate speeches and the need for corporate political responsibility to enable climate policy in Congress. Outlines new options for bipartisan climate solutions with new U.S. Chamber leadership. 

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Examines the evolving relationship between conservatives, liberals, and corporations and their influence on social issues. Highlights the complex interplay of state and private power in a free society. 

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Argues for mandatory disclosure of corporate political influence seeking and payoffs, citing evidence of large returns on such investments. Emphasizes transparency as a countermeasure to crony capitalism as state-directed spending grows. 

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Describes how unchecked capitalism destabilizes the environment and harms human health. Urges companies to acknowledge their role in the climate crisis and play a role in fixing it. 

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Outlines necessary steps businesses must take in corporate political responsibility reform, including ending trade association lobbying, dissolving corporate PACs, and working on legislative reform to reverse Citizens United. 

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: Proposes three strategies for boards and executives to safeguard US democracy: challenging the narrative of shareholder supremacy by emphasizing contributors to business success, promoting power-sharing and equitable rewards, and reassessing corporate actions that undermine democracy. 

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Analyzes legal frameworks for investor impact considerations in 11 jurisdictions around the world. Highlights effective sustainability approaches and offers policy recommendations. 

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Written by Leo E. Strine, Former Chief Justice of the Delaware Supreme Court (see pages 7-8). 

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Examines how current economic and political upheavals reflect an ongoing misalignment between business and economies and acceptable societal outcomes. Encourages re-examination of long-held assumptions.

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Measures and ranks the 400 most influential financial institutions on their contribution to a just and sustainable economy.

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Examines the fragmentation between red America and blue America, as well as within universities, companies, professional associations, museums, and even families.

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Advances the argument that American CEOs, seemingly more powerful today than ever, have abrogated the key leadership role they once played in addressing national challenges, with grave consequences for American society.

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Outlines why reasoned analysis and historical perspective can act as salves for current irrational political discourse.

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Provides eight steps business leaders can take to prevent ideological pressure and political conformity in the workplace.

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Outlines actions corporate leaders can take to shore up democracy.

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Climate-centric companies are typically “outgunned” by the fossil fuels industry. NGOs suggest they won’t be able to reach their net-zero goals without changing that habit.

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Former members of Congress, ambassadors, Cabinet secretaries, White House chiefs of staff, and other civil servants share their thoughts on the origins of hyper-partisanship and suggest measures to move institutions away from partisan gridlock toward effective governance.

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Leaders of the Committee for Economic Development say they gained members after the committee was chastised by Senator Mitch McConnell.

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Advocates for a  system of non-discriminatory markets and impartial credit allocation, as well as rewards for individual success.

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Finds that support for ESG falls precipitously year-over-year, particularly among young and middle-aged investors.

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Shares results from a survey of chief investment officers that suggests major investors believe that ESG is important but need greater clarity about the ESG value proposition.

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A business-led initiative working to advance racial equity through public policy.

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Explores how investors leverage political engagement for sustainability progress, evaluating its alignment with long-term interests and responsible investment goals. Offers insights into identification, integration, and challenges associated with political engagement. 

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Examines issues around political lobbying and proposes a comprehensive framework which companies and NGOs can use to assess the responsibility of their own lobbying activities and to identify areas for improvement.

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Seeks to advance the rule of law by engaging responsible business to support the building and strengthening of legal frameworks and accountable institutions – serving as a complement to, not substitute for, government action.

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Explores why companies need a nuanced set of options amid growing expectations from consumers and employees to engage with social, environmental, and economic issues.  

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A study guide to help chief communication officers and their teams move up the Progression Path on Advancing Societal Value.

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Guides corporate leaders beyond diversity and inclusion commitments to the heart of the business opportunity ahead: addressing the intended and unintended impacts of products, services, operations, policies, and practices on people of color and low-income communities, with key recommendations across the three domains of corporate influence: within the company, within the community, in society.

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