This paper provides an overview of corporate sociopolitical controversies, beginning with a brief typology of contested issues involved, and a timeline as to how controversies over corporate engagement with these issues often unfolds. It summarizes the resistance companies face when they respond by taking public stances and provides a framework for better anticipating risks and distinguishing different types of corporate engagement. It concludes with starting points for a new governance approach that people on either side of contested issues ought to be able to accept.
Patrick has extensive experience in Australia, USA, UK and the EU in conceiving, directing and overseeing a wide range of organization-wide strategies and projects, external partnerships, and public programming in ethics, politics and corporate affairs. Together with his philosophical / ethical background and close working relationships with global business leaders, politicians, religious and civic figures – across the political and ideological spectrum – he is consulted on complex issues at the intersection of business, politics, and society.