Globalization, Pluralization, and Erosion: The Impact of Shifting Societal Expectations for Advocacy and Public Good

Abstract

This research contributes to the theoretical conceptualization of public advocacy in several ways: First, this research positions the emergence of corporate engagement in controversial social-political issues within a broader multidisciplinary conversation about shifting societal expectations surrounding the roles of business and governments in a democratic society. This research explores the implications for democracy as a public good when business plays an increasingly central and powerful role as decision-makers and problem-solvers of the most important issues facing society. Next, this research discusses how globalization, pluralization, increased corporate power and pressures, and the erosion of traditional institutions contribute to a politicized corporation. Finally, this research concludes with theoretical propositions for moving forward with an advocacy and public interest communications research agenda.

The contingency of corporate political advocacy: Nike’s ‘dream crazy’ campaign with Colin Kaepernick

“…Miller Gaither et al, 2018; for a thorough theoretical discussion: Holtzhausen, 2012). In particular, we contest the fundamental argument that CPA represents and promotes a ‘decrease in cultural homogeneity’ (Dodd, 2018: 228). We believe that CPA still includes a lot of epideictic rhetoric aimed at pleasing everybody instead of pleasing some and alienating others.…”

“…Wettstein and Baur’s positioning illustrates a broader bias within the emerging CPA discourse. Cases brought forward by researchers relate to issues such as same-sex marriage, transgender bathroom use, gun legislation, immigration reform, health-care reform, emergency contraception, climate change and so forth (Dodd, 2018; Wilcox, 2019). What all these debates have in common is that there is always a kind of liberal, progressive and ‘caring’ political camp on the one hand being confronted with a conservative or even populist and reactionary camp on the other.…”

Corporate Social Advocacy as Public Interest Communications: Exploring Perceptions of Corporate Involvement in Controversial Social-Political Issues

“…Certainly the idea of a company participating in political dialogue through corporate citizenship is not new and has been discussed previously in the context of CSR (Matten & Crane, 2005). However, the recent political climate of the United States has made it more common for corporations to weigh in publicly on important political issues (Clemensen, 2017;Dodd, 2018;Korschun et al, 2016). Additionally, the increase in popularity of social media has made it easier than ever for current issues to receive extensive media coverage while also allowing activists and corporations to release public statements on current events and express their views to their publics (Schulz, 2017).…”

“…Gaither, Austin, and Collins (2018) found that DICK's Sporting Goods' CSA on gun control following the Parkland, FL, school shooting was undertaken despite the potential for polarized reactions and potentially negative sales impacts. Although companies are increasingly expending resources and engaging in risk by taking public stances on issues that transcend the interests of the organization (Dodd, 2018), CSA as a form of public interest communications remains largely unexplored.…”

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“…Certainly the idea of a company participating in political dialogue through corporate citizenship is not new and has been discussed previously in the context of CSR (Matten & Crane, 2005). However, the recent political climate of the United States has made it more common for corporations to weigh in publicly on important political issues (Clemensen, 2017;Dodd, 2018;Korschun et al, 2016). Additionally, the increase in popularity of social media has made it easier than ever for current issues to receive extensive media coverage while also allowing activists and corporations to release public statements on current events and express their views to their publics (Schulz, 2017).…”