Communicators are at a crossroads every time a sizzling subject of public debate, from social justice points to ESG and past, enters the information cycle. Is it acceptable in your group to remark? Is taking a stand the suitable 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 acceptable for organizations to take a stand on problems with public curiosity, and the components that affect their selections.
The survey was performed by HarrisX from Oct. 11-24 throughout 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 mentioned sure and 37% mentioned no. Simply 58% of communications leaders agreed manufacturers ought to communicate out.
These numbers rose when respondents have been requested whether or not organizations have a duty to problem public insurance policies after they threaten staff’ rights — 76% of CEOs mentioned sure and 74% of communications leaders mentioned no. This drastic enhance in assist demonstrates how attuned management is to the opinions of inner stakeholders—and provides a reminder that organizations can keep away from reputational danger by tying bigger goal and values commitments again to a constructive 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 mentioned they assist worker rights on the expense of income than those that assist taking a stand general is telling. In fact, failing to face up for worker rights can result in income losses in numerous methods as staff who expertise a disconnect between their private sense of goal and the company goal 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
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