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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

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More from the Authors
  • Global Sourcing at Nike By: Nien-hê Hsieh and Michael W. Toffel
  • Driving Decarbonization at BMW - Spreadsheet Supplement By: Shirley Lu, George Serafeim and Michael W. Toffel
  • Driving Decarbonization at BMW - Video Supplement By: Shirley Lu, George Serafeim and Michael W. Toffel
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