“Companies have a responsibility for liberal democracy” – New interview with Prof. Markus Scholz in Die Republik

The digital magazine Republik has published an in-depth interview with Prof. Dr. Markus Scholz, in which he examines the social role of companies in times of increasing political polarization. The holder of the Chair of Business Administration, especially Responsible Management, argues that companies must actively contribute to the stability of liberal democracies, far beyond their economic functions.

In the interview, he emphasizes that companies do not operate in a value-neutral environment in which they can pursue exclusively economic goals. Rather, they are embedded in legal and social structures based on democratic principles that guarantee them planning security, competition, and freedom.
If these foundations come under pressure, this also directly affects companies.

According to Markus Scholz, the traditional view that companies should refrain from political involvement is no longer sufficient today. When fundamental values such as the rule of law, pluralism, or human rights are threatened, silence is not an option. Companies must ask themselves what they stand for—and where their red lines lie when dealing with populist or authoritarian political forces.

A key element of his appeal is that companies should actively clarify what values they represent and how these are reflected in their communications, decisions, and public stance. This also includes supporting democratic processes and openly promoting social cohesion.

The full interview can be found here.