This Handbook on Corporate Political Activity explains the ways in which companies’ political expenditures may inadvertently invite problems, and describes concrete steps that companies can take to steer clear of them. It recognizes that companies will want to fashion their political spending strategies to fit their individual needs. Its central point is that thoughtful political…
Taking Initiative is the first comprehensive study of how corporations put themselves and shareholder value at risk by failing to critically examine their contributions to ballot measures. It explores the proliferation of the initiative in American politics as a means of polarizing and galvanizing voters, and takes a close look at how initiative campaigns have…
When it comes to corporate governance, one area often overlooked is company involvement in politics. The amount of money companies spend for political purposes is relatively small and viewed as immaterial, even though business historically has been a major political funder. Until recently, political expenditures were not fully disclosed and were rarely subject to oversight…
Members of boards of directors view political spending as a potentially risky pursuit and an overwhelming majority supports disclosure of corporate political activity, according to this survey of 225 directors commissioned by the CPA and conducted by Mason-Dixon Polling & Research. Ironically, an overwhelming majority of directors possess little knowledge of the rules and regulations…
A company’s political spending can expose it to serious risks. Wrongheaded spending can compromise a corporation’s reputation, or worse, expose it to criminal liability. Open Windowsshares a survey of S&P 100’s that shows how few have created codes of conduct or other publicly stated policies that would help safeguard them from unsound political spending decisions.…
Trade associations have become the Swiss bank accounts of American politics. Through them, corporations spend millions of dollars on political activities that can ultimately lead to a decline in shareholder value and compromise the reputations of corporations and their leaders. Hidden Riversuses case studies of hotly contested judicial elections to show how corporations, via trade…
A company that effectively discloses its political spending builds trust among shareholders and financial analysts. A company that fails to disclose risks making political spending decisions that can lead to financial losses and a compromised corporate reputation. The Green Canary explores the risks posed to shareholders in the absence of disclosure, and presents two methods…