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  • April 3, 2016
  • Guest Column
  • New York Times

The Power of C.E.O. Activism: How Politically Outspoken Executives Sway Public (and Consumer) Opinion

By: Aaron K. Chatterji and Michael W. Toffel
  • Format:Print
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Abstract

Some CEOs are making news by taking public stances on controversial social issues largely unrelated to their core business. This article summarizes the insights from our research paper that shows that such "CEO activism" can influence public opinion and consumer attitudes.

Keywords

Leadership & Corporate Accountability; Non-market Strategy; Corporate Social Responsibility; Politics; Political Influence; Political Strategy; Political Risk; Equity; Gender; Climate Change; Communication Strategy; Law; Leadership; Brands and Branding; Media; Problems and Challenges; Civil Society or Community; Social Issues; Public Opinion; United States; Georgia (state, US); North Carolina; Indiana; Indianapolis

Citation

Chatterji, Aaron K., and Michael W. Toffel. "The Power of C.E.O. Activism: How Politically Outspoken Executives Sway Public (and Consumer) Opinion." Grey Matter. New York Times (April 3, 2016), SR10.
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About The Author

Michael W. Toffel

Technology and Operations Management
→More Publications

More from the Authors

    • June 2025
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    Arla Foods: Data-Driven Decarbonization

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    How Firms Respond to Worker Activism: Evidence from Global Supply Chains

    By: Yanhua Bird, Jodi L. Short and Michael W. Toffel
    • May 2025
    • Faculty Research

    Calyx Global: Rating Carbon Credits

    By: Michael W. Toffel and Adam Chen
More from the Authors
  • Arla Foods: Data-Driven Decarbonization By: Michael Parzen, Michael W. Toffel and Susan Pinckney
  • How Firms Respond to Worker Activism: Evidence from Global Supply Chains By: Yanhua Bird, Jodi L. Short and Michael W. Toffel
  • Calyx Global: Rating Carbon Credits By: Michael W. Toffel and Adam Chen
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