Business in Society Report 2025
More people now trust business than the federal government to act in the public's interest. And most U.S. adults want companies to speak out on current events. But with this growing societal role come increasing expectations: What do Americans want and expect from businesses today? Here is one of the key findings from the fourth annual Bentley-Gallup survey.
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?
In 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
Assistant Professor of Philosophy
Bentley University
This 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
John W. Poduska Professor of Governance
Bentley University
