Amidst increasingly apparent systemic threats – from climate change to inequality to social instability -- business leaders are being confronted with head-spinning dual realities: On the one hand, they are engaged in intensive, sometimes overwhelming efforts to improve their firm’s sustainability and responsiveness to stakeholders. And, on the other, they are consistently challenged that their […]

In the debate over whether businesses should take a stand on broad civic, political and societal issues, few have explored how companies influence policy and narratives on issues related to their core businesses and shareholder returns. As the economy, and particularly corporate governance practices, become “financialized,” ”pro-business” political influence has had a major impact on […]

A CPRT Expert Dialogue with Kevin Johnson, Election Reformers Network, and Ciara Torres-Spelliscy, The Brennan Center As we head into the fall mid-term elections, experts warn that low trust in American civic institutions is dangerous for representative democracy, civic freedom and the rule of law – as well as the environment for business. Yet trust […]

A CPRT Expert Dialogue with Bill Shireman of Future500 and In This Together, and Madeleine Para, Citizens Climate Lobby Though it is rarely featured in the news, research shows that most Americans can collaborate on solutions to systemic threats such as climate change. Yet, many of these “solution citizens” feel isolated and discouraged in the […]

A CPRT Expert Dialogue with NYU Professor Ruth Ben-Ghiat and Katherine Venice of the Ethical Capitalism Group As hyper-partisanship escalates in the US and beyond, both the left and right are leveling accusations of authoritarianism and even fascism at the other side. Though business leaders may wish they could stay out of the fray, multiple […]

A CPRT Expert Dialogue with Yousuf Aftab, Director of Atelier Aftab As investor interest in ESG accelerates and new challenges emerge, directors and executives can expect more nuanced legal challenges. Among the most difficult of these are questions about the legal aspects of corporate political responsibility. Please join us for an interactive conversation to explore: […]

A CPRT Expert Dialogue with Debilyn Molineaux and Rev. Dr. F. Willis Johnson of The Bridge Alliance Though many business leaders are concerned about the effects of polarization and partisan conflict internally and externally, few are aware of the burgeoning movement to build bridges and renew civic space. Members of the Bridge Alliance, a coalition […]

A CPRT Expert Dialogue with Debilyn Molineaux and Rev. Dr. F. Willis Johnson of The Bridge Alliance Though many business leaders are concerned about the effects of polarization and partisan conflict internally and externally, few are aware of the burgeoning movement to build bridges and renew civic space. Members of the Bridge Alliance, a coalition […]

A CPRT Expert Dialogue with Tyler Duvelius of the Conservative Energy Network Thursday, November 17, 3-4:15pm ET Tyler Duvelius has built his career bringing conservative viewpoints into the clean energy conversation, working to educate, train, and organize conservative grassroots support for clean energy issues, and actively participating in clean energy policy discussions at the local, state, and […]

An Expert Dialogue with Christine Mahoney of the University of Virginia Despite the enormous burden of current reporting requirements on lobbying activity, there is surprisingly little useful information to enable problem-solving or accountability. Meanwhile, companies now face pressure to report in more depth on the issues they advocacy priorities and their positions on key issues.  […]

An Expert Dialogue with Paul Washington of the Social & Governance Center at the Conference Board Chief legal officers and government relations executives are finding it difficult to conduct long-term planning and investment in the current US political environment, where a combination of political polarization and extremely close elections increases the risk of wide swings […]

An Expert Dialogue with Gaya Herrington of Schneider Electric Today’s debates over sustainability and prosperity hinge on foundational assumptions about the economy, growth and the drivers of human well-being. Since its publication in 1972, the “Limits to Growth” model commissioned by the Club of Rome has been at the center of such debates, raising fundamental […]

A CPRT Expert Dialogue with Jon Drimmer of Paul Hastings LLC and Lelia Mooney Sirotinsky of Georgetown University Law Center In the current US political environment, companies are facing complex, high stakes decisions related to cultural issues, civic participation, free speech, informed civic discourse and the rule of law.  Could the field of Business and […]

An Expert Dialogue with Pat McLagan, author and expert in leadership and complex organizational change As trust in civic institutions declines in the US and around the world, many are turning to business to help reverse the cycle. But how? What is most effective? And how can business play a positive role without encroaching on […]

An Expert Dialogue with Seth Radwell, author of American Schism: How the Two Enlightenments Hold the Secret to Healing Our Nation Business leaders across the US and the world are increasingly concerned about polarization and intensifying incivility, but often loathe to get involved in issues that are fraught with conflict and brand risk. Yet, as […]

An Expert Dialogue with Daniella Ballou-Aares and Lauren Caplan of the Leadership Now Project With the 2024 campaigning underway and distrust of American civic institutions at an all-time high, business leaders and boards can expect to confront multiple “democracy flashpoints” in the coming months. What scenarios should they be preparing for? Where might they need […]

A CPRT Expert Dialogue with Sarah Bonk & Richard Eidlin of Business for America In the current tumultuous U.S. political environment, business leaders are exploring ways to navigate heated debates and intensifying culture wars. When and how should they take action? How can they prepare internally? Are there ways business can help address the root […]

As more investors consider risks related to climate change and a just energy transition, and California and the European Union implement new Scope 3 reporting, companies are being pressed to develop concrete action plans to achieve net zero or other environmental targets. Though these plans focus on operations, supply chains, and products or services, firms […]

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 […]

As technology platforms provide more and more of the “public square” for civic discourse and debate, their actions will be critical as voters weigh choices in 2024 election in the US and around the world. Now, with the accelerated adoption of AI, technology will have an even greater role in averting electoral crises and navigating […]

As businesses seek to balance shifting expectations from stakeholders ranging from investors and legal counsel to customers and employees, they’re increasingly exploring how a principled structure for political activities can help increase business resilience and sustainability. In her recent work developing more than 30 case studies on corporate sustainability, Angeli Patel has discovered three indicators […]

Trade associations are key players in helping businesses and industry sectors deliver on ambitious sustainability goals, stakeholder priorities, and an ultimate interest in a healthy environment. In these efforts, public policy is a critical lever. As a natural vehicle for industry advocacy on sustainability policy, trade associations lobby and sometimes make political contributions. Yet, specific […]

As more companies face challenges related to ESG and DEI initiatives, some are pulling back on investments and hesitating to take public stances on issues. But prevailing public sentiment and market indicators rebuke the conventional idea that business leaders must choose between profit and purpose. Increasingly, the numbers — factual and financial — show the […]

The communications and actions of companies and industries influence policy outcomes, including policies that affect people’s health, positively or negatively, directly or indirectly. One example of a large-scale industry with both influence and dependency upon policy outcomes is the U.S. firearms industry. Lecturer in Inequalities and Global Health Policy Nason Maani recently worked on a […]