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| Jamie Dimon |
Business Roundtable today revised its “statement of purpose” to say companies exist to benefit customers, employees, suppliers and communities, not just stockholders.
Signed by 181 CEOs, the revamped code “outlines a modern standard for corporate responsibility” according to BR’s statement.
“Americans deserve an economy that allows each person to succeed through hard work and creativity and to lead a life of meaning and dignity,” opens the new statement from the group which represents companies with more than $7T in annual revenues. “We believe the free-market system is the best means of generating good jobs, a strong and sustainable economy, innovation, a healthy environment and economy opportunity for all.”
Since 1977, each version of BR’s statement of purpose has “endorsed principles of shareholder primacy—that corporations exist to serve shareholders.”
Jamie Dimon, BR chairman and JPMorgan Chase chief, said the “modernized principles reflect the business community’s unwavering commitment to continue to push for an economy that serves all Americans."
Continuing a trend that began last year, purpose-driven messaging is falling out of favor among communications pros working in our politically polarized environment, with many now also anticipating fewer future corporate investments in DEI, sustainability and other CSR initiatives.
Most Americans believe companies should remain neutral on political and social issues, but new findings suggest that a growing number now think it's appropriate for brands to make political statements and to take a similar stand on racial-justice issues.
Support for corporate social responsibility initiatives among public relations professionals has declined consistently each year for the past three years, according to the latest USC Global Communications Report.
True purpose-driven marketing isn’t about a one-off campaign. It’s about embedding values into the core of business operations. It's ensuring that marketing reflects genuine actions. It’s thoughtfully executed, authentic storytelling.
