Deciding on Public Statements: To Speak or Remain Silent?
Find out how to decide whether to make a statement about geopolitical events like the Israeli-Palestinian conflict
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Amid the backdrop of significant global events, ranging from the tragic death of George Floyd to the ongoing conflicts such as the Russian-Ukraine war and the Israeli–Palestinian tension, organizations are confronted with the challenge of determining when and how to address pressing social issues. The urge to speak out, whether in support or opposition, is understandable, yet it carries risks of internal discord and external backlash.
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A Delicate Balance
Navigating this delicate balance becomes particularly daunting when stakeholders hold diverse perspectives, spanning from fervent advocacy to staunch disagreement. My own professional journey, overseeing a network of over 60,000 stakeholders worldwide as a VP of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging, underscored the complexity of this task.
To address this challenge, we implemented a policy focused on aligning public statements with issues directly relevant to our industry. This approach minimized the likelihood of inadvertently offending or facing legal repercussions due to misguided messaging. Importantly, it didn't curtail individual expression among stakeholders, if they made it clear they were speaking in a personal capacity.
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The reception of this change was not universally positive, necessitating me to clarify its intent. This marked a departure from our previous approach of addressing various social justice issues or concerns. While some stakeholders supported the change, others vehemently opposed it, viewing it as the wrong decision.
In crafting public statements, organizations should prioritize issues that directly intersect with their operations or industry. Collaborating with specialized organizations dedicated to specific social justice or community causes can enhance the impact and credibility of these statements, drawing on their expertise and resources.
Let’s Look at an Example
Suppose there's a national social issue gaining attention related to education inequality, particularly in underserved communities where access to quality education is limited. While the technology company may not see addressing education inequality as directly related to their core business of developing healthcare software, they understand the importance of supporting broader societal issues. Instead of making a public statement on education inequality themselves, the technology company could partner with a national nonprofit organization dedicated to improving access to education in underserved communities. They could provide financial support to fund educational programs, offer internship opportunities or mentorship programs for students interested in technology careers, or even develop educational software tools specifically tailored to address the needs of underserved students.
Through this partnership, the technology company demonstrates its commitment to corporate social responsibility and supporting broader societal issues. By leveraging their resources and expertise to support organizations dedicated to addressing education inequality, the company can make a positive impact on a national scale and provide valuable support to communities facing educational challenge.
Being Accountable
Taking this approach, shows an actionable commitment and a strategic approach to external engagement while avoiding virtue signaling or performance allyship.
Establishing clear guidelines within the organization regarding who is authorized to speak on behalf of the organization and involving key stakeholders such as the CEO, legal team, communication team, and Chief Diversity Officer is crucial. This ensures coherence and accountability in messaging while also fostering a culture of inclusivity and responsible engagement with societal issues.
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The decision to make a public statement on pressing social issues demands careful consideration. While the impulse to take a stand is commendable, organizations must navigate a complex landscape of diverse perspectives and potential risks. By aligning statements with issues directly impacting their industry, collaborating with specialized partners, and establishing clear guidelines for communication, organizations can articulate their values while mitigating internal strife and external repercussions. In doing so, they not only uphold their responsibilities as corporate citizens but also contribute to meaningful dialogue and positive change in society.
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