Grappling with the Gray #71: Stay in your aisle?

Grappling with the Gray

🥷Should we draw a line between business practices and political activism?
🥷Should we keep our personal views out of the boardroom and off the billboards?
🥷Is it proper to use a business platform to support a social agenda that is not universally held?
Tune into LinkedIn Live when the ethics panel convenes at a special time for a special transatlantic episode Grappling with the Gray.
On recent panels, we’ve discussed objective reporting vs. editorial activism in the newsroom and freedom of speech vs. irresponsible rhetoric on college campuses.
There’s a similar tension facing companies when they wade into the social and political arena. A variety of companies have come under fire for their choice of spokespeople, their support of public or international policy, and their partnership with celebrities who may hold controversial or polarizing views.
Without getting into the weeds about specific controversies, what is there to say about businesses taking positions on hot-button issues?
On the one hand, don’t those with power and influence have a responsibility to advocate for equality and justice? On the other hand, since so many issues are complex, nuanced, and highly emotional, should businesses just mind their own business and leave social change to others?
As a consumer, is it practical, realistic, or even proper to expect businesses to remain neutral on social issues? Since we can’t agree on everything, at what point should I seriously consider boycotting businesses because of their political or social stance, even when I’m inconveniencing myself by doing so?
Meet this week’s panelists:
Pascal Derrien is CEO of Migraine Ireland, a registered charity dedicated to empowering migraineurs by providing innovative services through education, information and outreach programs.
🟦 Carolyn Lebanowski Strategic Leadership Partner with The Institute for Leadership and LifeLong Learning International, as well as a columnist at BIZCATALYST 360.
Toni McLelland MSc FRSA is Founder and Director of 1st Life Group. She is a Critical Friend & Business Mentor in Social Justice, Mobility & Impact leading sustainable change through DEIB & Compassion.