The Erb Principles for Corporate Political Responsibility
A non-partisan approach to help make CPR the norm
The Erb Principles for CPR offer an actionable, non-partisan template to help companies determine whether and how to engage in civic and political affairs responsibly.
Combined with similar efforts by other actors, we believe these principles will foster an environment in which more companies will thrive, more Americans will prosper, we can find solutions to shared challenges and strengthen trust in civic institutions.
A Summary of the Erb Principles for CPR
- Legitimacy: How can the firm determine whether to engage with an issue and what the right course of action is?
- Accountability: How can the firm align its actions with its commitments to purpose, values, stated goals, and stakeholders?
- Responsibility: How can the firm actively support the systems on which the economy, society, and life depend?
- Transparency: How can the firm communicate openly and honestly about its political activities?
Put the Principles into Action with the CPR Decision Tool & Executive Conversation Guide
Explore what it looks like to put the Erb Principles for CPR into action using a specific upcoming decision. Designed to help executives make responsible high-stakes decisions in a polarized world, this tool walks you through four steps in drafting decisions and clarifying rationale:
- What is the challenge?
- Should we engage in this area and why?
- How can we engage responsibly?
- How will we communicate and follow-up?
CPR Showcase
The latest CPR content and news from the Erb Institute, our partners, and outside outlets
Q&A: Helping Corporations Act Responsibly in Politics and Beyond
A Q&A with Erb Institute Director Tom Lyon by Bob Needham Q&A: Helping Corporations Act Responsibly in Politics and BeyondCorporations like to make statements about their responsibility to society, but follow-through is sometimes lacking. The Erb Institute — a...
“Look for actions” from companies, not just green pledges, experts say
Erb Director Tom Lyon - Podcast on Marketplace “Look for actions” from companies, not just green pledges, experts sayOctober 2021Kai Ryssdal of Marketplace invited commentary from Tom Lyon Director of the Erb Institute regarding green pledges. Not a week goes by, it...
Beyond ESG – Corporate Political Responsibility With University of Michigan Professor and Author Thomas Lyon, With Host Richard Levick of LEVICK
Richard Levick Podcast on In House Warrior Beyond ESG - Corporate Political Responsibility With University of Michigan Professor and Author Thomas LyonOctober 2021Beyond ESG -- Corporate Political Responsibility: Thomas Lyon, the Dow Chair of Sustainable Science,...
What People Are Saying
Diverse perspectives on the value of the Erb Principles for CPR
Inaugural Supporters
The supporters of the Erb Principles for CPR have committed to sustaining their current CPR practices and taking new actions over time that align with the principles. Supporters have committed to complete one of three actions in the next 12 months.
THREE INITIAL ACTIONS
CPA-Zicklin Model Code of Conduct for Political Spending
GRI 415 Related to Public Policy
Policy Prohibiting Election-Related Spending from Corporate Treasury Funds