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More Americans want businesses to take a public stand

51% of Americans want businesses to speak out on current events, up from 38% last year

Do you think businesses should take a public stance on current events?

Do you think businesses should take a public stance on current events? 51% say yes in 2025, up from 38% in 2024.

Silence Speaks Volumes: Why Brands Must Take a Stand

Should businesses speak out on social issues? In today’s low-trust environment, more people expect companies to take a stand. 51% this year compared to just 38% in 2024. This video explores when it makes sense for brands to speak up, how silence can backfire, and why aligning with core values and industry relevance is key. Discover what consumers really expect from corporate communication in 2025.

Aaron Ancell, Assistant Professor of Philosophy - Bentley UniversityIn today's fractured political landscape, neutrality is often not an option. Both speaking up and staying quiet can carry reputational risks — and there's little chance of pleasing everyone." 

Aaron Ancell
Assistant Professor of Philosophy
Bentley University

CynthiaThis is not surprising, especially when we dig deeper into the topics — like international conflicts and free speech — that Americans increasingly want companies (but not their own employers) to speak out on. We've seen over the four years we've been collecting this data that personal issues have become political issues, creating pressure for companies to respond to issues they didn't need to in the past."

Cynthia Clark 
John W. Poduska Professor of Governance
Bentley University

Should Businesses Speak Out? Yes, But Not My Employer

A new paper based on the Bentley-Gallup survey findings reveals that while support for companies speaking out has rebounded, most employed Americans say their own companies shouldn’t communicate a stance to their workers.

Read the Paper

Abstract collage of building with two megaphones