The Age of Corporate Social Justice

What are the signs that we’re entering the Age of Corporate Social Justice?

• They make more money.
  • Research says profits are higher at companies with effective corporate social responsibility programs.
• Consumers & Employees want more from corporations.
  • The Killing of George Floyd brought about strong calls for social action by companies.
  • 130 year old brands, like aunt Jemima, are being rebranded
  • Companies are declaring Juneteenth company wide holidays
• Actions that are viewed as unjust are met with public criticism
  • Donating to anti-LGBT politicians sees immediate backlash against corporations
  • Selling facial recognition software which has been shown to mis-identify black and brown persons is criticized, and companies pull their software from the market

What can we learn?

• It is a solid NO to vanity projects
• Your company’s good acts have to fit your company and your community
• It is not just your company, it is your company’s partners also
• Be public about your social positions

Harvard Business Review | We’re Entering the Age of Corporate Social Justice