CPRT Expert Dialogue: CPR & Business Strategy in a Hyperpolitical World

• In their recent Harvard Business Review article, Strategy in a Hyperpolitical World, Roger L. Martin and Martin Reeves argue, “Almost everything about business today is political, in the sense that it requires consideration of a wide range of often controversial ethical, social and ecological issues.”   Many executives know this reality all too well, as challenging societal issues are becoming ever more real and urgent in the workplace – via employee social media channels, town halls, engagement surveys and more.  Given the range of high stakes issues in play, and the incredible cross-pressures confronting businesses for any action or inaction, leaders have begun to recognize that the real question is not “whether” they will confront politically contentious decisions but “when and how.”

  To help us explore this question, we are delighted to speak with Martin Reeves, Chairman of the BCG Henderson Institute, in our next Expert Dialogue. Specifically, we will explore:

  • How can businesses develop strategies and navigate an increasingly hyperpolitical world? How can principles for corporate political responsibility help?
  • How can businesses be sure they have a legitimate basis for engaging on issues? Are there clear areas where business should engage… or NOT engage?
  • How can the private sector help create a more inclusive, sustainable & trusted economic system? Where is policy essential as an enabler, and what changes will this require from business?

  Martin Reeves is a managing director and senior partner in BCG’s San Francisco office, and the Chair of the BCG Henderson Institute, BCG’s vehicle for exploring ideas from beyond the world of business, which have implications for business strategy and management. Martin is also the co-author of Strategy in a Hyperpolitical World, Breaking the Vicious Cycle of Corporate Entanglement, and The Imagination Machine (HBR Press, 2021 June).

   

The CPRT is strictly non-partisan and does not advocate, promote or support any political party or candidate. While speakers and participants in the Expert Dialogues may express their views freely, the CPRT does not endorse particular organizations, individuals, parties, policies or legislation.