How do ‘insider’ social movements impact on corporate governance?

The challenge

Targeting business directly, as well as indirectly through government, global social movements can have a strong influence on corporate governance and the way in which companies prioritise and engage their different stakeholders. Through corporate policies pertaining to gender equality, climate action and human rights; there are a variety of governance changes social movements can trigger, and variety in the mechanisms used. This project focuses on social movements that operate through ‘insider’ mechanisms whereby they work with or through specific stakeholders of the firm to create change.

Solution

The research aims to understand how ‘insider’ social movements are organised and their associated barriers and enablers. The project uses a case study methodology to compare and contrast the strategies used by four movements – all of which involve some insider influence on corporations and their governance, but target different stakeholders (investors, executives and employees). Data will be collected through secondary material and a series of interviews associated with each movement.

Outcome and impact

Findings have the potential to improve the relationship between business and society – helping corporate leaders to incorporate the voices and values of society in their governance frameworks, and find responsible ways to respond to stakeholders and accomplish their purpose as an organisation. Further impact will be felt amongst global social movements, helping them understand the mechanisms through which they can influence business through changes to corporate governance.