PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — From Fortune 500 companies to elite universities and professional sports franchises, big-name brands seem to be weighing in more frequently on big, hot-button societal issues.
Dr. Aronte Bennett, associate dean of diversity, equity and inclusion at Villanova University, joined KYW Newsradio In Depth to explain this social media-fueled landscape, and whether or not brands aligning themselves with specific causes actually moves the needle.
“There's a very fine balance,” she said, “and so there has to be some consideration of speed versus diligence.”
She says many consumers do look at the actions and stances companies take when judging their products.
"Let's say you as a company or team came out against the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. But then you were found to be supporting politicians who have an anti-abortion platform. So it's not just saying it, it's saying it and doing it — and doing it in all facets of your business. And that's just a lot of concerted effort. You have to be on one accord across your firm. And for a small firm, that's easily done. For a large firm, that's very difficult, and requires a lot of agreement in the boardroom. But also down the reporting line to managers, even to the floor and salespeople."
Listen to the full interview here: