Corporate Socio-Political Activity: Exploring the Scope and Drivers of Corporate Lobbying on Morality Policies
Corporate Socio-Political Activity (CSPA) refers to lobbying by firms on socio-political issues (or “morality policies”), such as cultural diversity, lifestyle choices, nationalism, and immigration. Corporations are, at an increasing rate, trying to influence the political outcomes on these types of issues. However, CSPA presents scholars with a puzzle. From the perspective of corporate political activity (CPA), it is surprising to see firms lobby on socio-political as these do not offer clear and direct financial returns. Moreover, the polarizing nature of socio-political issues raises questions regarding stakeholder management and legitimacy.
In this seminar, an empirical overview of this phenomenon is presented. We will see how CSPA has grown in recent years and the types of socio-political issues that firms target. Using quantitative and qualitative data, the presentation will also provide insight into what is driving this and the potential benefits and costs firms face when taking positions on morally contentious issues.
Business is claimed to wield more political power than any other societal actor. At the same time, CSPA challenges conventional knowledge regarding why firms are politically active and what they seek to achieve in the political arena. This proposed research will provide a novel account of the political behavior of business in a polarized world where the structure of political conflicts is changing.