Communicators are at a crossroads every time a sizzling matter of public debate, from social justice points to ESG and past, enters the information cycle. Is it applicable to your group to remark? Is taking a stand the best factor to do?
Ragan Communications partnered with analysis consultancy HarrisX within the fall of 2022 to grasp how and when CEOs and communications leaders really feel it’s applicable for organizations to take a stand on problems with public curiosity, and the elements that affect their choices.
The survey was carried out by HarrisX from Oct. 11-24 inside the U.S. amongst 360 CEOs and high-ranking senior communications.
Requested whether or not organizations ought to take a stand on political and social points, 63% of CEOs stated sure and 37% stated no. Simply 58% of communications leaders agreed manufacturers ought to communicate out.
These numbers rose when respondents had been requested whether or not organizations have a accountability to problem public insurance policies once they threaten staff’ rights — 76% of CEOs stated sure and 74% of communications leaders stated no. This drastic enhance in help demonstrates how attuned management is to the opinions of inside stakeholders—and affords a reminder that organizations can keep away from reputational threat by tying bigger objective and values commitments again to a optimistic worker expertise.
These numbers fell once more when every group was requested if standing up for worker rights ought to occur even when it meant shedding income, with 61% of CEOs and 66% of comms leaders agreeing.
The truth that fewer CEOs stated they help worker rights on the expense of income than those that help taking a stand total is telling. In fact, failing to face up for worker rights can result in income losses in several methods as staff who expertise a disconnect between their private sense of objective and the company objective of their employer could very properly depart, inflicting a lack of productiveness and expertise. It’s on communicators to attach the dots for the remainder of the C-suite right here.
Obtain the HarrisX-Ragan Key Findings Report right here
The outcomes of this survey are heartening, as social mores change and stakeholder expectations of firm executives are entrance and heart. I agree with the bulk on these questions. However, I might counsel my shoppers to embark on a speedy however considerate discernment on the dangers and advantages of chatting with a difficulty and 1) how it’s perceived by key stakeholders, reminiscent of staff and clients; 2) what sort of response will we count on from stakeholders? 3) what questions ought to we be ready to reply? 4) does the difficulty and our place align with our firm’s tradition, mission and values? 5) Do we have to share a place simply with staff, or extra publicly? These and different necessary questions needs to be part of the decision-making course of earlier than stepping as much as the mic on a social challenge.