Corporate America's Leadership Crisis: Why Big Business is Silent on Gun Control
For years, corporate executives have been vocal advocates for gun control, using their considerable resources and influence to push for stricter regulations. But in the wake of the latest mass shooting at a school in Nashville, it seems that some top CEOs are getting tired of being held responsible for pushing for meaningful change.
According to Yale professor Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, who has direct access to many major CEOs, they are growing frustrated with the lack of progress on gun control legislation. Despite their efforts, Sonnenfeld notes that many companies have not seen significant results from their advocacy work. As a result, some top executives are beginning to wonder if it's time for them to take a step back and let others lead the charge.
The silence from corporate America is jarring, especially when compared to their previous efforts on other issues like voting rights and sustainability. Sonnenfeld argues that CEOs are not looking to be saviors on every topic but rather want to join forces with others to drive meaningful change.
One reason for this complacency, according to Sonnenfeld, is that big business has taken a strong stance on many issues but hasn't always matched the level of activism from everyday citizens. As a result, they are waiting for other sectors of society, including students and clergy, to join the fight for gun control.
The notion that CEOs hold significant sway over politicians through campaign contributions is also being challenged by Sonnenfeld. While it's true that big business does donate millions to politicians, this has actually decreased in recent years, particularly since the 2020 elections.
In contrast, the sales numbers of companies like Tesla show a more nuanced picture. Despite price cuts and claims of strong demand for their lower-priced vehicles, the company still produced more cars than it sold in the first quarter of the year. This suggests that talk of demand from Tesla executives may be overstated.
Ultimately, Sonnenfeld's point is that corporate America needs to recognize its limitations and work together with other sectors of society to drive meaningful change on gun control. By letting others lead the charge, top CEOs can focus on their core businesses while knowing that they are part of a broader movement for positive change.
For years, corporate executives have been vocal advocates for gun control, using their considerable resources and influence to push for stricter regulations. But in the wake of the latest mass shooting at a school in Nashville, it seems that some top CEOs are getting tired of being held responsible for pushing for meaningful change.
According to Yale professor Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, who has direct access to many major CEOs, they are growing frustrated with the lack of progress on gun control legislation. Despite their efforts, Sonnenfeld notes that many companies have not seen significant results from their advocacy work. As a result, some top executives are beginning to wonder if it's time for them to take a step back and let others lead the charge.
The silence from corporate America is jarring, especially when compared to their previous efforts on other issues like voting rights and sustainability. Sonnenfeld argues that CEOs are not looking to be saviors on every topic but rather want to join forces with others to drive meaningful change.
One reason for this complacency, according to Sonnenfeld, is that big business has taken a strong stance on many issues but hasn't always matched the level of activism from everyday citizens. As a result, they are waiting for other sectors of society, including students and clergy, to join the fight for gun control.
The notion that CEOs hold significant sway over politicians through campaign contributions is also being challenged by Sonnenfeld. While it's true that big business does donate millions to politicians, this has actually decreased in recent years, particularly since the 2020 elections.
In contrast, the sales numbers of companies like Tesla show a more nuanced picture. Despite price cuts and claims of strong demand for their lower-priced vehicles, the company still produced more cars than it sold in the first quarter of the year. This suggests that talk of demand from Tesla executives may be overstated.
Ultimately, Sonnenfeld's point is that corporate America needs to recognize its limitations and work together with other sectors of society to drive meaningful change on gun control. By letting others lead the charge, top CEOs can focus on their core businesses while knowing that they are part of a broader movement for positive change.