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Founder of the Institute for Political Innovation and a Harvard Professor teamed up to identify the most powerful levers for transformation in American politics. Most notably, an increasing call from corporate leaders to reconsider frameworks that allow businesses to be entrenched in politics.
This paper revisits the longstanding debate over corporate purpose, examining tensions between shareholder primacy and stakeholder-oriented governance models, with a focus on legal, financial, managerial and political dimensions of this question.
In a thorough discussion of fiduciary duty, Rock argues that there are many misconceptions. For example, he states, "It is simply incorrect to claim that Delaware law requires directors to maximize the short term stock price when they believe that long term projects will be more valuable." Rock also points out that current debates over shareholder primacy arose due to the weakening of other vehicles -- such as legislation or tax policy -- for addressing society's or other stakeholders' interests.
This paper reflects on Friedman’s famous claim that American business should solely be driven to increase profits. Oxford Professor Karthik Ramanna homes in on the qualifying clause of Friedman’s argument—that markets need non-market institutions to safeguard the conditions for competition—and that if corporations have influence in shaping the market, then it is not free. The report argues that corporate influence on the political landscape has tilted in their favor, often at the expense of the public sphere.
This report provides an expansive history that ties the corporate condition to various policy eras, and makes a case for private sector investment in public policy (and not just one-off, charitable CSR initiatives).
Authored by the Energy Transitions Commission, representing a wide array of perspectives, this report proposes a pathway to a net-zero global economy by mid-century. Specifically, it outlines three priorities for the 2020s: scaling proven zero-carbon solutions, creating supportive policy and investment environments, and advancing next-generation technologies for hard-to-abate sectors. It emphasizes practical actions for governments, investors, and businesses and stresses global collaboration to meet climate targets.
A core set of 21 metrics created by the WEF, in partnership with a handful of multinational companies, to best align with the political, social and environmental considerations necessary for implementing stakeholder capitalism.
Summarizes the results of a two-year bipartisan commission studying citizen concerns and how to revitalize democratic participation. Calls for a “fourth founding” of the United States, outlining six imperatives: achieve equal representation, empower voters, ensure political responsiveness, expand civil society, build civic information systems, and nurture a culture of commitment to democracy.
Highlights key factors required to refocus capitalism on long-term inclusive growth, including specific practices and policies that businesses should support. (See pg 5-13)
Provides a five-principle framework for responsible lobbying. Helpful for companies trying to orient themselves on their value/stance development in their corporate political activities as actions in the space come under increased scrutiny.
Henderson combines the public sentiment of distrust in corporate influence with evidence suggesting that free politics support free markets. She provides a strong case for businesses to fundamentally change their role from partisan players to supporters of the democratic process.
BSR’s report (71 pages in full, 9-page summary linked here) focuses on creating a new social contract in business, focused on ample collaboration between public and private entities, so that we can face future challenges at scale. This review highlights the opportunity areas specifically for businesses.
This article reexamines Milton Friedman’s shareholder primacy argument, suggesting that stakeholder capitalism can incorporate market discipline and accountability principles without abandoning broader societal obligations. It argues that profit-seeking must operate within competitive markets and legal frameworks that preserve democratic legitimacy and prevent capture.
Considers three critical questions companies must ask themselves when deciding to speak out or take a stance on an issue. Assessment is oriented around alignment, potential influence, and constituency agreement.
While this report more broadly assesses America’s competitiveness, Chapter 3: The Role of Business in Politics Today and Tomorrow, identifies the role of business in political gridlock, and suggests potential solutions. (See pg 28-36)
This article emphasizes the importance of board oversight in managing corporate political engagement and CEO activism, stressing the need for clear policies to mitigate risks and align political actions with overall business strategy. It highlights growing shareholder expectations for accountability and the potential reputational and financial impacts of CEO public statements.
Researchers describe the “double legitimacy” problem. American workers need to invest portions of their income into mutual funds to have economic security, thus becoming Worker Investors. Corporations are unconstrained and can dip into these funds to support their political spending. This paper outlines the Big 4’s political power in resolving the double legitimacy problem, and how their refusal is supporting policies that go against the Worker Investor.
This teaching resource promotes constructive disagreement and structured debate as tools for better public decision-making. It encourages leaders to engage with opposing perspectives thoughtfully, emphasizing intellectual humility, evidence-based reasoning, and respectful dialogue to improve policy and organizational outcomes.
Contrasts common-good capitalism with the modern shareholder-dominated economy. Advocates for restoring balance by prioritizing worker benefits and economic fairness. Analyzes how large corporations have become beholden to shareholder and bank demands, reducing innovation and limiting financial opportunity for other stakeholders.
This article presents data on structural shifts in U.S. markets over the past two decades, showing how rising concentration moves returns from labor to capital, reduces competition, and limits investment. It distinguishes “good” concentration, driven by efficiency and innovation, from “bad” concentration, driven by rent-seeking. These market changes also influence political trends and policymaking, highlighting the broader economic and governance implications of concentrated industries.
The authors argue that withholding corporate political spending from investors increases reputational and legal risks. They contend that transparency allows investors to make informed decisions, aligning their investments with their values and minimizing potential risks.