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.

[Read the full paper](https://business.catholic.edu/_media/navigating-a-polarized-world-cua.docx.pdf).

 

 

  ![patrick langrell headshot](/sites/business.catholic.edu/files/styles/optimized_original_size/public/2026-04/patrick-langrell.png?itok=98Q_QHt-)  

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.