Corporate Political Responsibility: Joint Workshop with INSEAD

On December 5, 2024, an exclusive workshop on "Corporate Political Activism" took place at the INSEAD campus in Fontainebleau—an event that addressed one of the most pressing questions of our time: Should companies comment on political issues? If so, when and how?

Led by Professor N. Craig Smith (INSEAD) and Markus Scholz (IHI Zittau, TU Dresden), around 50 selected executives, scholars, and experts gathered to discuss this complex issue and develop solutions as well as new research approaches. A particular focus was placed on the situation in Germany, where corporate leaders have already publicly spoken out against the rise of right-wing extremism. At the same time, the restrained stance of the U.S. business community regarding the current elections was also discussed.

The discussions at the workshop not only provided fascinating insights into the strategic communication of CEOs but also offered an excellent starting point for future research. A key takeaway was the recognition that companies are increasingly uncertain about what position they should take on political and social issues. The workshop highlighted the importance of companies developing clear, well-founded strategies—and that much more research is needed.

Dr. Benedikt Kapteina, a postdoctoral researcher at the Chair of Business Administration with a focus on Responsible Management at IHI, who presented his research on corporate political activities in the context of political extremism, commented on the workshop's outcomes: "The debates made it clear that companies, in their political positioning, not only want to take political responsibility but also need to find a complex balance between ethical standards and economic goals. Companies face a difficult task: they are increasingly expected to comment on political issues without jeopardizing their credibility or business objectives. In fact, they are specifically called upon to take action."

A heartfelt thank you to all participants, speakers, and panelists for their valuable contributions. We look forward to further following the outcomes and future research on this important topic.

For more information or questions, feel free to reach out.