A recent study showed that less than half of U.S. adults believe businesses should take public stances on current events.
WHY IT MATTERS – The majority of Americans do not want businesses publicly weighing in on current events.
THE NUMBERS – A Bentley-Gallup Business in Society Study recently showed that less than half of U.S. adults believe businesses should take a public stance on current events.
The poll shows that Democrats are more likely to favor companies taking public stances than Republicans and independents:
- 62 percent of Democrats say companies should take a public stance on events
- 17 percent of Republicans say they should take a public stance on events
- 36 percent of independents say they should take a public stance on events
Racial or ethnic identity was nearly as correlated as party affiliation with preference for companies taking public stances on events:
- 48 percent of Hispanics believe companies should take a public stance on events
- 61 percent of Black Americans believe they should take a public stance on events
- 35 percent of White Americans believe they should take a public stance on events
Younger adults are more likely to favor businesses taking a public stance on current events than the older age groups:
- 53 percent of people aged 18 to 29 believe they should take a public stance on events
- 47 percent of people aged 30 to 44 believe they should take a public stance on events
- 35 percent of people aged 45 and older believe they should take a public stance on events
- The percentage of those aged 60 and older who believe businesses should take a public stance has declined by eight points since 2022
Although most Americans oppose businesses weighing in on current events, there are some issues for which they support businesses taking a public stance:
- 55 percent on the issue of climate change
- 52 percent on the issue of mental health
- 49 percent on the issue of free speech
- 49 percent on the issue of health care
- 45 percent on racial issues
Americans are least likely to believe businesses should take public stances on political candidates (19 percent) and religion (15 percent). Most people agree that businesses should not speak out on gun laws, LGBTQ+ issues, immigration policy, international conflicts, and abortion.
THE BOTTOM LINE – The majority of Americans would rather businesses keep their opinions and stances on current events out of business.
GO DEEPER – Fewer Americans Back Businesses Wading Into Current Events