Many Americans Believe Businesses Should Be Apolitical: Poll

(ProsperNews.net) – According to a recent survey, most Americans don’t want companies to take a political position or endorse social causes. Almost 60% of responders to a Gallup poll said companies should not take a public position on contentious social or political issues – an increase from 52% last year. Views diverge depending on age, gender, and race and differ considerably depending on the social or political issue.

For example, 55% said it was acceptable for companies to express a view on climate change, but only 15% said the same about religion. On abortion, 26% believe it’s okay for a company to support a position, while 52% think the same about mental health.

Regarding LGBTQ matters, just 37% support a company speaking out, even though this is one of the most visible areas of active corporate participation. Pride Month, which takes place every June and is intended to celebrate LGBT individuals, usually attracts the enthusiastic involvement of major companies that produce related products or update their social media accounts in recognition of the celebration. Google in New York, for example, changed the external sign on its headquarters to include the gay pride flag.

The opinion of pollsters as to whether companies should weigh in is starkly different among Democrats and Republicans, reflecting a very different view on how societies and markets are best organized. Republicans, who lean toward a free market, overwhelmingly reject the notion that companies should promote social issues, with only 17% in support.

Among left-leaning individuals who largely vote Democrat and favor a centralized top-down social structure, the opposite is true, with 62% viewing company participation in social issues in a positive light. However, this figure is down from 75% last year.

There is also a racial divide; only 35% of whites believe companies should display a public view on an issue, compared to 61% of blacks. Almost half of Hispanics – 48% – think it’s right for companies to involve themselves politically.