“Lobbying for Good” from the Public Affairs Council includes insightful case studies that illustrate how well-established companies including Aflac, Microsoft, Levi Strauss, McKesson, Pfizer, Southwest Airlines, and Target, determine whether and how to engage on social issues. The examples show how varying approaches to managing involvement in these types of issues that are tailored to the company’s culture and organizational structure can be equally effective.
The Council’s “Strategic Guide to Social Issue Engagement” suggests a sound, logical framework companies may consider that includes creating a cross-functional social issues team; establishing guidelines and a core set of principles for engagement; identifying particular social issues the company may wish to lead, support, or monitor; assessing the issue relative to key stakeholders; determining the level of company engagement; and establishing a communications plan.
Access additional guidance and sample frameworks, as well as benchmarking data and other resources in this Southeast Chapter meeting PPT presentation: “The Outspoken Corporation.”
This post first appeared in the weekly Society Alert!