Charities & Causes

Should companies get involved in non-related business issues?

Charities & Causes

Posted by: looklively

7th Jun 2017 11:30am

Lately there seems to be more and more companies taking a stand on issues they believe in. Qantas and Ben & Jerry's have both been in the news in the past few weeks for supporting marriage equality, and even brands like Tiffany & Co. have posted on Instagram asking Donald Trump to take action on climate change.
What do you think of companies that want to get involved in these bigger issues? Maybe you think it's a good way of building awareness and support for these issues, or do you think that brands should stay out of it altogether?
Are there any other examples that you have seen that you think really work well, or that backfired badly? Why did you like them (or not)?

Comments 101

jtmorri
  • 29th Apr 2021 02:18pm

No I personally don't want to hear a companies stance on a social issues. I think they are best to keep out of politics and within their own organisation have a well thought out and ethical creed which they operate by for their workers. May organisations have an opinion for publicity alone or to align themselves with sustainability, environment or any popular view at the time to sell more product when really they don't believe in the cause when you investigate what they do over what their messaging is.
I know it can build awareness, start conversation but I do not find it genuine most of the time and would rather they didn't say anything and put their two cents worth in when it is for exposure.

Sardines31961137
  • 4th Feb 2021 12:25pm

Yes, I think they should because it shows that the company is wary of issues outside of the company. It makes the brand more appealing and yet, could become controversial. It starts important conversations and gets people thinking.

Dena31948125
  • 3rd Feb 2021 06:06pm

In my opinion, it would be beneficial if companies take a stand in issues the majority of people agree on, like climate change and the danger of extinction. La cost brand , for example, temporarily replaced its polo shirts' crocodile logo with the images of 10 endangered species to help counter the threat of extinction.

Jenny31376507
  • 25th Jan 2018 12:26pm

For the sake of the company I think it’s a good idea to present such support to a cause if it’s related to their image. However, if this is only the personal opinion of an individual or a small or even large group within the company then I do not believe they have the right to post such if it’s not related to the company’s image. Unfortunately I can’t think of an example

Jenny31376507
  • 25th Jan 2018 12:26pm

For the sake of the company I think it’s a good idea to present such support to a cause if it’s related to their image. However, if this is only the personal opinion of an individual or a small or even large group within the company then I do not believe they have the right to post such if it’s not related to the company’s image. Unfortunately I can’t think of an example

looklively
  • 11th Dec 2017 10:19am

Test

Kazzaaaagh
  • 3rd Dec 2017 09:11am

I prefer to know what companies value. This helps me to make better choices as a consumer as I prefer to make purchases from companies with similar values to me and avoid companies where I dislike their practices.

frannymanny
  • 13th Jul 2017 09:32pm

absolutely. Companies need to stand for something. If the public doesnt like it then the Companies need to stand firm regardless.

Matthew
  • 22nd Jun 2017 12:13pm

Well I do believe in having a say on these bigger issues, and I also think that even brands should have a say about whatever they believe/think and
not stay out of it altogether.
Yes I congratulate Tiffany & Co. for getting involved and for asking Mr. Donald Trump to take action on climate change! ;) ... Yes I do believe that it's
a good way of building awareness and support for these big issues, which are so very Important for this World!
Oh and I definitely do support marriage equality also.

Kind regards,
Alex Demirci

steff11
  • 18th Jun 2017 08:34pm

I think its their personal choice. If its for the right reasons then great!! Especially if it brings more awareness too those big issues and especially issues like climate change then thats a positive thing. I cannot think of any examples at this moment.

robmondo
  • 18th Jun 2017 07:38pm

i,m all for companies getting involved awareness of issues then they have a better chance of change and change is good

KittiCat
  • 18th Jun 2017 12:16pm

Yes, I believe companies should be able to take a stand on issues that reflect their beliefs. Topics, such as marriage equality are very much a personal choice and the opinion of Alan Joyce doesn't necessarily reflect those of Qantas Staff

Tars
  • 18th Jun 2017 01:11am

I think companies should stay out of it, I only want to associate them with their product - not their personal views (which are probably not the views of all their employees either).

Angieg
  • 17th Jun 2017 11:06pm

Democracy is the freedom of speech, so whether it is an individual or a company that wishes to voice an opinion, it should not be an issue. I think if a company or corporation wants to become involved in bigger issues to support issues and build awareness, good on them! We all have the freedom to choose so if there is something we hear about that we don't agree with, we can still respect others' opinions. Channel 10's news show 'The Project' has been pushing viewers to vote against the use of plastic bags recently with huge success, Cadbury has promoted their cocoa beans as fair trade and then there are companies such as Dove and Target that are promoting healthy and realistic body image. Years ago fast food outlets often sold their burgers in polystyrene containers but moved towards paper wrapping, encouraging recycling, as did Starbucks with their coffee cups. These are just some of the ways that positive change has occurred by companies making a stand and the customers responding with bigger sales. Yes, when it comes to more sensitive issues such as support for marriage equality, it can cause discomfort for those people whom are against it but I believe it is still a positive move for companies that promote it because it gets the conversations going, causes publicity and it's a safe gamble (or else the major banks in Australia wouldn't be doing it).

Roland
  • 17th Jun 2017 04:53pm

It's always better to have a policy and to take a stand no matter which topic and no matter what side you choose. Being honest, truthful has always been honored in the long run, no matter of company or individual. It might be easier to get along with a nonstick surface but thing of people or companies you admire or people inspiring you. They are always a bit rough, a bit nonconforming and a bit ahead of their time. The pale ones not showing their true colors are not the fabric of any society.

Goofus
  • 17th Jun 2017 12:52pm

I think everyone is entitled to have an opinion on any subject. When it comes to companies and the like, how would they decide on what their stance is, it wouldn't be the wisest for a CEO to just voice off his or her personal opinion on their behalf.

ezz19
  • 17th Jun 2017 11:05am

I think brands should absolutely announce their support for issues that are as important as marriage equality and taking action on climate change. This raises awareness in a way that no individual can really do - they have the ability to share their message with millions of people are the world because of the incredible reach that huge brands and companies have. They have the capacity to actually reach the people who have the ability to enact change, such as governments, the president/prime minister. In a way, if a brand does feel strongly about an issue that could change the world for the better, it would be irresponsible not to support it publicly.

Momma Bear
  • 16th Jun 2017 09:09pm

I think it is up to companies if they want to be involved in issues they believe in, as long as they don't have another agenda for doing so.

BernieBear1983
  • 16th Jun 2017 08:20pm

I think it's great that they advocate.

porge
  • 16th Jun 2017 06:46pm

As a shareholder of some of these companies I get very cross. They should stick to running their businesses in a profitable manner considering their shareholders and not getting political or trying to form public opinion. I think it was a grave mistake for Qantas to back same sex marriage especially as they are partners with an airline owned by a country where they kill homosexuals. This decision may well have made Qantas unsafe now. Business first, then personal opinion. They should not be mixed.

lonewolf 322
  • 16th Jun 2017 11:59am

Yes they should if two people love each other they should be able to get married regardless of their sex.

diann
  • 16th Jun 2017 06:06am

I do believe that they can have a say if they feel passionate about, but really, we should not still be talking about it, it should be on its way done and dusted... There are gay people, get over it, it should not be discussed, it is happening, let it happen, we cannot ever ever stop it. We need to look after our climate, a given... Just do it... There is way too much time discussing this. It just needs to happen.

drums69
  • 16th Jun 2017 05:10am

I think they should mind their own business and stop people using their company trying to gain support
for personal issues. Such as Quantas who im sure has many gay fag pilots and lezzo stewardess
who think marriage is for 2 same sex couples so they try spread their disease using Quantas.
It makes me sick how these imbeciles are trying to change marriage into some disease.
Marriage is between a man and a woman to have family and reproduce. How do these perverts
think they can recreate taking it up the ass or women using fake plastic dicks?

drums69
  • 16th Jun 2017 05:10am

I think they should mind their own business and stop people using their company trying to gain support
for personal issues. Such as Quantas who im sure has many gay fag pilots and lezzo stewrdess
who think marriage is for 2 same sex couples so they try spread their disease using Quantas.
It makes me sick how these imbeciles are trying to change marriage into some disease.
Marriage is between a man and a woman to have family and reproduce. How do these perverts
think they can recreate taking it up the ass or women usinf fake plastic dicks?

rob1
  • 16th Jun 2017 04:30am

Not sure what the point of QANTAS expressing an opinion on anything not related to their industry or any company for that matter, obviously its a calculated activity probably created through a focus group. Means nothing to me prefer not to hear their opinion at all. I don't fly QANTAS so don't even care about their opinion on their own industry.
My advice to anyone listening to any self interest group expressing any opinion look at their motivation, Joyce is gay so not sure why you put his opinion above others just because he is a CEO ? On that topic I personally have no opinion and I respect anyone's personal opinion except when people like Joyce use his position/profile to run his own agenda..... I have no respect for the guy based on his inability to run and airline ..... the fact he can't keep his opinion to him self on non-related topics saws a lot about his lacking character.

Anonymous
  • 16th Jun 2017 03:13am

I`m all for big and small companies to get involved in these bigger issues...A company can`t ask you for to help if their not going to practice the same Morales.
I also won`t deal with a company big or small if they don`t have these policies in place.

jen
  • 15th Jun 2017 10:43pm

i think it is up to the companies if they or not it does not change my opinion of them if they do or not

Meagan30479385
  • 15th Jun 2017 10:28pm

I don't see a reason why companies shouldn't get involved in issue. Corporations have a lot of power to influence people so there needs to be some restraint shown on their part. I think it's perfectly acceptable for corporation to get involved in issue like marriage equality, environmental issues etc. They can sway a lot of people, and with contentious issues like marriage equality and climate change, there needs to be more awareness.
I know back in April this year that Airbnb asked Australians to make their support of marriage equality known by wearing the symbol of marriage - a ring. I think it makes the company look good (to those who support the issue) and I think they might also become involved because they know that equality and fairness is good for their employees, customers etc. This kind of corporate support sends a powerful message and I think in certain instances, can be quite brave as it can have some backlash.

Beci
  • 15th Jun 2017 09:58pm

Generally I think companies should stay out of these issues and instead focus their energies on running their businesses and providing services and goods to the public. By sticking their two cents worth into issues that are often controversial and inflammatory they create division and strife. Instead they should remain neutral and accessible to all. The recent situation where the CEO, Alan Joyce, of QANTAS was pie-faced by an angry member of public is a stark example of the division and strife businesses create by forcing their opinions on to others. Initially I admired Joyce for remaining calm and jovial following the incident, but the minute he learned the offender was a Christian opposed to his stance on marriage equality, it was like the knives came out and he was determined to prosecute the guy whatever it took. It left me thinking, 'Okay, why don't you just be the bigger man and shrug it off?'

beljayne
  • 15th Jun 2017 09:46pm

I believe companies should take an invested interest in non related business issues so long as they believe in what issues they wish to involve themselves in.
Dont just get involved in non related business issues if you only want your name attched to promote yourself and not better the issue at hand.

sharleen
  • 15th Jun 2017 09:30pm

its ok as long as its not taken to extremes

Marie-Clare
  • 15th Jun 2017 09:18pm

I think large companies have a moral obligation to comment on issues which they believe it-they have a right to free speech like the rest of us.

2020
  • 15th Jun 2017 09:02pm

Yes and no depends on the subject. Some is just grandstanding by companies to get FREE advertising and sometimes it hurts the cause not help it.

Alsom
  • 15th Jun 2017 09:01pm

I am all for companies getting involved with the big issues as it does bring awareness and support as long as they really believe in the cause. It may even help bring about change

jjdrer
  • 15th Jun 2017 08:41pm

Businesses should concentrate on all avenues of their businesses. There might be a few less go broke and have to sack employees and probably not pay them the amount they are legally entitled to.

Steven Smythe
  • 15th Jun 2017 08:08pm

Those companies that need to will jump on any band wagon to improve their image. So long as they're speaking up for what is right, genuine or not, it's OK by me.

kay62
  • 15th Jun 2017 08:02pm

Yes,it shows they have a voice about whats happening in the community,

Captain Slog
  • 15th Jun 2017 07:50pm

I don't wish to spew on anyone's dinner, but, all this rubbish about "Marriage 'Equality' " makes me sick. The ONLY Marriage Equality is that there is NO "Master" and 'Slave" between a Husband and his Wife. Man and Woman Marriage is, as we all should know, is supposed to be a True Partnership. All this disgusting PC rubbish, created by persons unknown, about Male/male relationships and Female/female relationships, i.e. homosexuality is WRONG!! It is totally and morally wrong!! And, for the Record, I am not even a religious nutter! They're the biggest hypocrites of all. The World is going MAD and all this sleaze and perversion is getting out of hand.
"Transgender"? NO such thing. Unless you're a Fish and can change gender quite literally depending on the conditions. With humans? NO! MALES will ALWAYS be MALES, and FEMALES will ALWAYS be FEMALES. A Tricorder NEVER lies. All they will be to the world are MUTILATED Males and Females who only THINK they're what they think they are. Its ALL in their heads, and the Medical Industry is very unethical to actually DO these mutilations. They're ONLY in it for the MONEY. Surely there must be SOME decent People left in this world!

Donald Trump is like a Fart in a Phone Box that won't go away. He's DANGEROUS and Deranged, and the evidence of that can be seen EVERY time we see him on TV and hear what he's been Farting. . er, Trumping. . . er, TWEETING about in the News. HE is America's first Dictator and he's going to get worse!! Mark my Words!! PLEASE? I hope I have Spelled them right.

I don't know what to say about the last two Questions, because I don't understand them.

edwardio
  • 15th Jun 2017 07:39pm

yes they should show there support whether for or against.

Bella4927
  • 15th Jun 2017 07:07pm

What do you think of companies that want to get involved in these bigger issues?
I think alot more positively; because if a company takes a stand for something and supports them it makes them seem more human and that us as consumers are more than just a number to them.
Maybe you think it's a good way of building awareness and support for these issues, or do you think that brands should stay out of it altogether?
I will not stop shopping with stores because they dont; because as a manager in a retail environment I understand that there are often things you do in the background that are broadcasted ie; gift cards to charities/local causes, blankets to the homeless or dog shelters in winter etc;
I also know that to give alot for small companies is not always feasible and can be the difference between paying a casual employee wages or making a profit some weeks.
Are there any other examples that you have seen that you think really work well, or that backfired badly?
I think Grilled does a great job of supporting local causes. When you purchase products you get a bottletop and it goes into a jar of a charity of your choice (usually from 4) and at the end of the month the one with the most bottletops gets a donation.
Why did you like them (or not)?
I think this makes it fair because it is the consumer that chooses where the funds go and it also differs each month, giving opportunities to many.

Anonymous
  • 15th Jun 2017 06:46pm

I believe it is a positive, as long as what they are promoting does not harm anyone.

Ella091
  • 15th Jun 2017 06:35pm

I think that companies which want to get involved in the 'bigger issues' is great. Most companies have a large amount of pull on their target audience to encourage support in certain issues. They have shareholders and large audiences who they can target with marketing campaigns which support a worthy cause.

In this day and age, it is very appropriate for companies to be supporting big issues as the conventional ways do not always seem to appeal to the public.

A perfect example of a big brand supporting a big issue is Smirnoff Vodka supporting marriage equality. While Smirnoff may not appeal to the entire public, there is a very wide audience who enjoy drinking, or giving Smirnoff as a gift or who simply know the brand name.

For a well know company like Smirnoff and many others, it is great publicity and awareness for big issues which other media coverage may not tackle in the right light.

marty
  • 15th Jun 2017 04:29pm

I don't think these large companies should be involved at all, they should concentrate on their own business and make sure that they are looking after their customers with quality products and services. Each person is entitled to their own opinion and not use their platform to shove these topics down our throats. I personally have no problem with equal marriage options as I have come from a very large family 20 children with a very religious background but I have learned over the years that we are not all the same and during my school days I remember a young fellow who committed sueacide . I have nephews and nieces who have committed partners and want to get married but they need the laws passed to give them the legal rights to share their love ❤️ Ireland was one of the largest Catholic countries in the world but they had a vote on it and became the first in the world to pass this law. So I say stick to your own business.

MRfuzzy
  • 15th Jun 2017 03:48pm

yes I believe we should all be able to voice our opinion either as a person or company

scottprobst
  • 15th Jun 2017 03:43pm

I think if the board etc actually has a string belief about it then they should. If it's just some stupid market position exercise, this will rapidly become obvious and they will just look stupid.

gargar
  • 15th Jun 2017 03:39pm

I think these companies should stay to their field of expertise as it can become quite complicated

wezo
  • 15th Jun 2017 03:29pm

so highly over paid CEOs now want to tell us working people what to think now,so they know much more than ordinary people, sounds just like our useless politians,so much better than me,what would i know i only work 48 hours a week in a hard trade to pay these so called experts can feel better than us,bring in a vote and then we will all know,will not happen because people are sick of all this bull s---

swamy
  • 15th Jun 2017 02:51pm

Any entity that supports a good cause must be encouraged to do so. Therefore, businesses can get themselves involved in these issues.

bev1410
  • 15th Jun 2017 01:56pm

Depends, but generally yes. Big companies seem to have a lot of clout and get the attention to help with issues and awareness.

Ellie 30656027
  • 15th Jun 2017 01:55pm

I think it is good for awareness and and promotion. People who are fans of the company may follow suit and start thinking of the issues. This builds community awareness and support Public figures are a good source of promotion. If it backfires it is because groups who are against the issue are exposed to the promotion.

Innercitymum
  • 15th Jun 2017 01:53pm

Definitely. It is a company's moral and social responsibility to take a stand for issues that they believe in that impact on their customers and the greater community. In my opinion I think more highly of companies that want to get involved in bigger issues. I am more likely to be a loyal customer of a company that has a social conscience or to become a customer of a company with a social conscience.
I don't think businesses should stay out of issues. They should be active members of the community. They have a right to express the opinions of the company and to stand firm against things that they perceive as wrong.

In Ireland a lot of businesses stood up for the marriage equality referendum - this was a great issue to get behind.

A lot of companies have also taken a stand against Donald Trump's travel bans Starbucks and Nike etc and this has been a pretty positive outcome for them.

Dove came out for strongly against Trump with an ad about alternative facts which was pretty funny.

I can't think of any that have backfired.

Anonymous
  • 15th Jun 2017 01:52pm

I believe we have to support companies that believe in marriage equality. We have people in all walks of life who look after us whether it is medically, waiting on us, and many other positions who happen to be in love with the same sex. We have always watched many actors, singers, and personalities who are in same sex relationships or marriages in other parts of the world and we still look up to them for the enjoyment they give to us. It is now Australia's time to approve in same sex
marriages and the companies that support them deserves us as customers and I will ensure that I will purchase whenever I can from those companies and recommend them to everyone I know.. I am heterosexual and I will always support same sex marriages.

squeekums
  • 15th Jun 2017 01:34pm

I like that companies want to get involved. It shows me where id rather give my business, shows they relate to the people. Big companies showing a voice for say marriage equality helps bring awareness and in some cases change
Qantas is a good example and i think much more highly of them now after the pie thing and their stance

kidwithsmurf
  • 15th Jun 2017 01:30pm

test

kidwithsmurf
  • 15th Jun 2017 01:30pm

It's good to see companies are taking a bigger stand on big issues. However, I think it comes down to the person's own opinion and views rather than the whole company itself. This is because not everyone within the company will have the same views and ideas. With this said though, I think it's great because the main way to get politicians to listen is from big companies as they are more easily heard, have money and can influence votes more easily. Therefore, if a big company gets behind climate change or marriage equality etc they will bring more awareness to the issue, hopefully make people more aware and get the politicians to take action on the issue. Therefore, as long as these companies arn't making political donations to get their views through or heard than I think companies raising awareness is great as they have more influence than the general public in most cases. Again though, everyone has their own opinions and a company shouldn't have a stance on an issue as a whole as not everyone in the company is going to have the same opinion as everyone else in the company.

KennethS
  • 15th Jun 2017 01:29pm

Companies meddle in politics at their peril, they can annoy customers who are part of the silent majority who do not subscribe to the activist viewpoint. For example the majority of the population are normal heterosexual, and while believing in live and let live, they may not actually agree with causes such as same sex marriage for a variety of reasons, and if some trading company starts espousing support, such as QANTAS, whose MD is not one of the hetero majority, they could well find that many travelers who disagree with this on moral or religious grounds will just choose another carrier..
In the same vein, Donald trump is the democratically elected President of the United states, whether the American democrat Party, or various liberal causes throughout the world wish to accept it or not. It is an issue for American voters, not citizens in foreign countries, so if you don't like Trump or his Policies, just remember that you are not entitled to vote either for or against him - it is no business of ours,, so tough, accept this fact and move on.
On the subject of Climate Change ( formerly called global Warning, till the world stopped warming), the proposition of whether climate change is anthropogenic is still a hypothesis, ie not scientifically proven and a scientific fact. Consensus Opinion does not constitute a scientifically proven fact. Research on this issue is extremely one sided, to carry out research in a University, it needs to be funded, usually by Government, and whilst there is ample evidence to support the counter argument that climate change is not anthropogenic, this information is frequently suppressed, and the chances of getting funds to carry out valid research to argue the contrary case are slightly smaller than a snowballs chance in hell. Having sat on a major Universities Research committee, I can assure you this is the case. In fact several universities in Australia are so open minded about this issue, that staff who ague the counter case are denied a platform to speak, and could jeopardise their employment. So much for Universities standing up for rigorous open debate.
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MazzyJ
  • 15th Jun 2017 01:27pm

What do you think of companies that want to get involved in these bigger issues? I really don't take much notice.
Maybe you think it's a good way of building awareness and support for these issues, or do you think that brands should stay out of it altogether? If it's somehting they think they need to say then say it and move on.
Are there any other examples that you have seen that you think really work well, or that backfired badly? Nope Why did you like them (or not)? I just wish that instead of saying we support this group why not help more. If they donate to a charity or something they could say we back this and support it through donations or supplying things.
For me I have to buy on price. I have no option to say I hate what you do I'm buying else where because else where is usually over my budget that's why I'm buying from this company in the first place.
I dont listen to companies like QANTAS or Tiffanies because I can't afford any of their services and Ben & Jerry's are no where near me so mean nothing to me.

Stit
  • 15th Jun 2017 01:25pm

To me if they want to support or not anything it is like us supporting or not and our choice as longs as they do not push us to support. It should be our chose to be support or not.

owainjmorris
  • 15th Jun 2017 12:37pm

I think it is a great idea

paramjeet29954874
  • 15th Jun 2017 12:37pm

I think companies should be more involved with social issues and support local community ,Companies involvement in social issues make it higher visibility and many more people get to know about issues .Companies at the same time should not market and make make issues or blow issues out of proportionate .I have seen few companies which are involved in helping social issues like cancer ,emergency services does not market there names but silently help society in what ever way they can and this in turn have helped these companies having good reputation with local society .

bayze
  • 15th Jun 2017 12:32pm

I think it certainly helps to create awareness these issues impact society & we are all involved in it i beleive we all should speak up about issues that affect everyone thats what a community does theres too much emphasis on i i ,the ego & im in it for myself attitude.
People look up to companies in so many aspects & when they do whats right for the whole they are impacting everyones life for the better when companies show this overall the world seems a kinder, connected, safer place to inhabit & in togetherness we can only grow & nuture for all & our coming generations.

tjc123
  • 15th Jun 2017 12:30pm

This is such an interesting topic simply because there's so much within it and it's important to take a multifaceted approach in my opinion. The concept of whether these large corporations do it for the general good, or for marketing is really important. Most corporations do these kind of support programs for these advocacy groups to give themselves a good name or to keep up a good reputation. Some will argue that even though the intent behind it isn't great, the fact that they are still raising awareness is good. This is something I kind of have to agree with. Corporations will always have their own needs first, but as long as others are benefiting from this, it's a good situation. Personally, I always have that in mind. When I see Cadbury working with the Fair Trade union, I may feel slightly more positively about Cadbury, but in the back of my mind I'm just thinking how they're doing it for the rebranding of their own name. I think as long as both are receiving benefits, and it is actually raising awareness and the company is being respectful about it, brands and corporations should continue to partner with these groups. The Cadbury one is one I believe has worked well and i admire it as they have continued to do it since they implemented it. It wasn't just a one off. Alternatively, the Pepsi commercial with Kendall Jenner in support of "protest groups" was the worst one and backfired the most. I still don't know how that commercial ever got to air, like wasn't there one person with a sense in their marketing team haha. I think the Pepsi example was one that frustrated me because it was so obvious that they hadn't done their research and hadn't bothered to respect what they were trying to stand for.

Daphne
  • 15th Jun 2017 12:07pm

No! Its not their business.

Ruskie30748487
  • 15th Jun 2017 11:59am

No, they should keep their opinions to themselves and not get caught up and take sides. They should stay neutral.

GarryM
  • 15th Jun 2017 11:58am

I don't think companies should take a stand on issues unless we are told that a majority of the companies management and staff support the position put

canuck1
  • 15th Jun 2017 11:57am

They need to be involved in solving the problem of climate change. They have contributed to the problem and need to be part of the solution. Governments only care that companies create jobs and that the rich get richer regardless of the cost to society or environment.

flo
  • 15th Jun 2017 11:53am

It is nice that companies like to support issues that bring things to the attention of others, but sometimes iy may only be opinion of the directors and may not have anything to do with the business and can possibly bring trouble to the company

(none)
  • 15th Jun 2017 11:40am

No. A company is a business, and if they want to divide the public, getting involved with emotional/political/social issues is a perfect way of doing it.

Good for Margaret Court. She has the courage of her convictions. She shouldn't be vilified just because she thinks different from how the policy makers and society attitude developers want her to think. As for renaming the stadium by taking her name away, what sort go fascist community to we live in? Who has the right to tell me what to think? The stadium was named for her tennis ability, not for her political or social views, and it should remain named for her tennis abilities alone.

A lot of companies will lose a lot of custom if they jump onto this bandwagon. The would do well to steer clear.

divergent
  • 15th Jun 2017 09:25am

In America, companies are somewhat considered to be equal in status to citizens in terms of political influence, in that they can contribute large sums of money to a campaign to decide who the next President will be. And, as has always been the case (up until Trump that is, who used a different kind of influence to win), the party with the most money wins. Money in politics is seen as a way for companies, or at least their main wealthy shareholders, to override the will of the majority. Because of this, I am hesitant for companies here to gain sway in the affairs of citizens.

Firstly, the company voice is not necessarily the voice of the majority of employees, but of those who manage it. So, effectively, the morals of those who hold power may well be trying to override the morals of the employees who rely on them for income. Yes, the disgruntled employee can always quit if they didn't like the company's stance, but in practice, such a choice to do so is not easy.

Secondly, the concept of corporate wars, played out in many dystopian movies, where companies move from providing products and services towards gaining power and control, always ends badly. The thought of non-human companies dictating human morals is disturbing to say the least. We have a choice to either move forward as humans who work our salvation together, or unwittingly allow a non-human entity to control the way we think and act.

My view is that if a company really wants to promote 'the right thing' (as they see it) then they should contribute anonymously to a citizen-led cause or charity that promotes it instead. This keeps money, or at least the blatant influential use of it, out of the affairs of citizens. The company's reputation would remain unbiased, as it should be since it's not a moral entity, and no one would end up judging it as politically meddling or 'playing god' in human matters. Personally, I think companies who get politically involved in human morals are on a self-destructive path, and this happens only because those at the top are under delusions of grandeur and their weighty egos have completely overcome their business acumen.

Anonymous
  • 15th Jun 2017 09:18am

I love it. I try to be a discerning consumer and I choose brands based on their ethical stance. I don't buy Gloria Jean's coffee anymore because of their support of the Australian Christian Lobby and therefore anti-marriage equality. I want to know who's getting my money and what they're doing with it so I can spend it accordingly.

Frome
  • 15th Jun 2017 01:23am

I think that it is legitimate for companies to comment on social issues; after all the Boards are comprised of people with views and responsibilities. The only risk is if companies begin to transmit incorrect or misleading information e.g. mining companies stating that soal emissions do not contribute to global warming.

PukPuk
  • 14th Jun 2017 11:32pm

When companies get involved in social issues, the question raised is why. To answer that we probably need to be in the board room or round table discussions of lower management teams but that is not realistically possible. As an outsider we can only form a perception to the "why" question. First test is, what is the political flavour of the month and compare that to the company's track record before there were public brownie points to be scored. A company which has had for some time an internal mission statement and adopted processes in line with its eventual public stand for or against an issue will have far more cred than the overnight change of direction announcement with all the bells and whistles to align with the crowd. So the success of any company involving itself in social issues will largely depend upon the public perception of its involvement which would be measured in the success in achieving positive community action in resolving the issue and its own profitability.
One thing that come to mind from the archives of the grey matter was a couple of decades ago when BP claimed to be the quiet achiever but spent mega millions around the world stating that so everyone knew. It is that sort of contradiction that good intentions can be undone by a goof in strategy.

musicmum
  • 14th Jun 2017 10:21pm

Are they sincere or is it a marketing ploy? That is the question I ask because I feel that when they advertise that they support something it is not because they are necessarily sincere, it is more of a way to attract more customers, otherwise they would not even need to voice their opinions, just secretly donate to cause they feel strongly about. Personally it doesn't make me want to buy a product just because they support a cause I agree with, though it is nice to see when I am already buying the product as long as the price is not increased. I am always wary of those products which say a certain percentage goes to a charity because they have most likely added that cost to the original. If they support the cause just make a direct donation. I do like companies like Loving Earth who strive to support fair trade and local indigenous communities where they source their products. Blessed Earth who support organic cotton growers and make sure their suppliers are looked after and trade is fair. These two companies may not be big brands but they are leading the way for more sustainable, fair trade and honest business that takes care to track each product they sell knowing it is providing a job for those less fortunate without compromise.

Col
  • 14th Jun 2017 09:25pm

Companies shiuld stay with the area in which they are involved. To have company directors trying t9o influence people about their pet ideas like the current Qantas boss is just ridiculous

Peter
  • 14th Jun 2017 07:53pm

Interue.esting! Businesses used to stick to selling their product. Now they're all into it. Maybe it's free publicity especially appealing to same sex couples so they'll buy the product. Certainly in my business we wouldn't last long if we took sides on any iss

Bob Jacobs
  • 14th Jun 2017 07:50pm

Joyce is as camp as a row of tents and I have no time for him being in the position he his holding. Piss off back to Ireland.

dunbaylass
  • 14th Jun 2017 07:37pm

Companies should stick to what they sell and leave people to their own ideas, as a person who has a son which has been caught by a woman pretending to be straight and all she wanted was a baby, am I happy that she tricked my son? "" No"" however the fact that I have the best of a grandson, with a very caring mother, who for the past 6 years has brought him up to be polite and respectful, I say Who gives a whoot if they are straight or gay, if a person loves someone why can't they be together.
and as far as Trump, he does nothing to me in giving him support, he is a liar, and a two face pxxxx sorry but I don't mince words, even though I cant type them on this page, An impeachment is too good for him, neither is a golden bullet

Rossco65
  • 14th Jun 2017 07:02pm

All I can say is NO

Rossco65
  • 14th Jun 2017 07:01pm

All I can say is NO

K13
  • 15th Jun 2017 12:46pm
All I can say is NO

no to what?

K13
  • 14th Jun 2017 05:57pm

i think its fantastic for companies to keep us informed of their social beliefs because then we have more information to make an informed decision when we consider a company. if a company supported ending child slavery then i would definitely use them but if a company believed in slaughtering animals inhumanely then i would avoid them like the plague.

an example of a company showing their support for a cause was ANZ when they had they GayTMs during mardi gras in sydney. i thought it was a wonderful way to show their support and they showed all of sydney that they are accepting of all people.

(none)
  • 15th Jun 2017 11:45am
i think its fantastic for companies to keep us informed of their social beliefs because then we have more information to make an informed decision when we consider a company. if a company supported...

(Not a personal comment here) The company's beliefs? Whose beliefs in the company? I'll guarantee that there is a huge range of beliefs within one company. Who decides which of those beliefs to propagate? I think it's a cynical attempt to grab attention and be 'cool'. Fail. Fail fail fail.

ketan
  • 14th Jun 2017 05:44pm

Yes. Companies should also take part in community related matters as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Business should also aim to give back to the community apart from making profits.

. V
  • 14th Jun 2017 05:23pm

i think it just depends on the cause, I am all for companies that want to support protecting the environment, are into animal rights and against animal cruelty. Supporting human rights with regards to cheap labour and slave labour etc. But I think companies should keep their noses out of political and religious issues but speaking of that there is sometimes a fine line like with the issue on climate change and Trump. I think companies should still take a stand on the issue but not involve politics in any way. I would like to see more transparency on causes companies support like when it comes to raising money on issues like for example raising money for breast cancer I would like to see where the actual money goes and how the money has actually made a difference. All good that these companies raise money through sales but I want to know what proportion actually goes to the cause.

builderbob
  • 14th Jun 2017 05:09pm

I think there is a significant difference between making your personal thoughts known about a subject and if you are in a leadership position expressing your personal thoughts in the name of the company, the company staff, the company board members and the share holders.
If people in leadership positions want to make their personal thoughts known, then they should use their own private funds to advertise in the daily press using their own name and not the company name that they are a paid employee of.


IanMutz
  • 14th Jun 2017 04:46pm

I don't that companies should get involved in issues that they aren't involved with. They probably hope that it will give them positive publicity and it does to some extent but at the same time they are antagonising a lot of people who don't agree with them. I know a lot of people who have decided to stop buying the products of such companies. Politics and religion are two topics which are very "touchy" to discuss and businesses should keep away from them.

Virginia30241277
  • 14th Jun 2017 04:27pm

Companies taking a stand on issues is fine but I'd prefer them to concentrate on their brands. Also companies need to be cautious about which issues they pick as some issues are quite sensitive and they can potentially lose business over their stance.

mrwonderful5433
  • 14th Jun 2017 04:19pm

I think that if companies want to express an opinion on these types of political issues should carefully consider as to what effect it has on their customer views.Customer loyalty isn't as prevailant as it used to be and expressing these views could petentsionally lose some which would affect the profit margin. On the other hand it could attract greater awareness of the company and what it stands for.

mrwonderful5433
  • 14th Jun 2017 04:19pm

I think that if companies want to express an opinion on these types of political issues should carefully consider as to what effect it has on their customer views.Customer loyalty isn't as prevailant as it used to be and expressing these views could petentsionally lose some which would affect the profit margin. On the other hand it could attract greater awareness of the company and what it stands for.

bali6699
  • 14th Jun 2017 04:17pm

no they should not, it is none of there business, simple as that

super88
  • 14th Jun 2017 04:13pm

Maybe if they were involved in issues close to there sphere of influence they would be credible.
You mention Qantas as making its contribution re marriage equality.

I wonder if there are still some ground staff at airports living like homeless people sleeping on concrete floors between split shifts to make turning up to work worth while.

I see the Qantas CEO Alan Joyce got a gong in this years honours list.
As a person with one of the highest pay packages in the country I doubt he has difficulty finding a comfortable bed.
A company who's CEO ground the airline to a halt over a pay dispute with its lowest paid workers isn't where I look for moral guidance.



Ruby
  • 14th Jun 2017 03:59pm

No

jkl421960
  • 14th Jun 2017 03:55pm

I am not adverse to big companies taking a stand on what they believe although not sure about Donald Trump. We have just been informed that our electricity company is going to increase our charges by 18% making Australia paying the highest cost of electricity which I think stinks big time as if they don't make enough profit already but can't be bothered about giving back to the customer and taking into account all the tings they are doing for climate change and still they think it is okay to keep ripping us off. AS for gay marriage, I believe that if you love someone regardless of whether they are the same sex or not, everyone deserves to have someone to love and share their life with and are equally entitled to be married just like everyone else.

Redgoat
  • 14th Jun 2017 07:56pm
I am not adverse to big companies taking a stand on what they believe although not sure about Donald Trump. We have just been informed that our electricity company is going to increase our charges...

Absolutely! A Like from me.

barbiedoll99
  • 14th Jun 2017 03:25pm

no I do not think that companies have any right to get involved in these issues, they should only deal with their own company's problems, Gay marriage is nothing to do with a company.
I know Qantas hires some gays to be stewards and they are great doing that job. But anything else is their own business.

boppa99
  • 14th Jun 2017 03:21pm

Yes
But has to be something they really belive in
Like Qantas got the up roar from Marget Court
To me that makes them stronger standing up on there cause and gets more people talking on whay there cause is about

Redgoat
  • 14th Jun 2017 03:18pm

Could be a bit risky for them I guess, e.g. if some customers don't believe in marriage equality, or are climate change deniers, or love Donald Trump (if any such people exist here!)... but it's nice to know where they stand.

kaz007
  • 14th Jun 2017 03:49pm
Could be a bit risky for them I guess, e.g. if some customers don't believe in marriage equality, or are climate change deniers, or love Donald Trump (if any such people exist here!)... but it's...

I agree there is some for and against if they should or shouldn't speak up.

mtg
  • 14th Jun 2017 03:17pm

Yes I think companies should get involved in important issues. Let face it they have a large audience and as long as its done thoughtfully and respectfully it should work for everyone.

Dallas2255
  • 14th Jun 2017 03:13pm

I am all for companies getting involved with the big issues as it does bring awareness and support as long as they really believe in the cause. It may even help bring about change sooner as big companies have a bigger punch so to speak.

Twiki
  • 14th Jun 2017 02:53pm

If it's something a company believes in then it's their choice if they want to take a stand. If people do not like that, then they also have a choice in not supporting or purchasing from that company. I personally am not a one brand person. I will purchase based on cost, need, or necessity. However, if a company supported something that I was completely against (not that I can currently think of anything), then I would choose to purchase elsewhere.

It is possible that supporters of certain brands may get swayed into the 'bigger issues', more than they might have done otherwise.

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