ESG: The Insights You Need from Harvard Business Review

12 WHY BUSINESS LEADERS MUST RESIST THE ANTI-ESG MOVEMENT

by Andrew Winston

The culture wars in the United States continue to rage, and they’ve come for business. Companies are being dragged into issues that stir emotions, such as abortion, gay and trans rights, racial and gender equity, and climate change. Business is facing questions, mainly from the right side of the political aisle, about its stance on societal issues. And with 70% of America’s top execs calling themselves Republicans, business leaders now find themselves in an odd position: accused by high-profile members and pundits from their own party of being part of a “woke” or “ESG” progressive agenda.¹

For many companies, it may seem smart to stay out of anyone’s crosshairs. ...