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
California Management Review’s Best Article Award 2019: CSR Needs CPR
Congratulations to Erb Faculty member Tom Lyon, whose article, "CSR Needs CPR: Corporate Sustainability and Politics," won the Best Article of 2019 Award from the California Management Review! This award is given each year to the authors of the article published in...
Why sustainability should include political activity – Professor Tom Lyon in the California Management Review
Why sustainability should include political activity Professor Tom Lyon in the California Management ReviewCorporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainability initiatives have gone mainstream, but they are missing something important: They ignore corporations’...
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