Corporate America's Voice on Gun Control Falls Silent After Latest Mass Shooting
The business world has long been vocal on gun control issues, but after the latest mass school shooting in Nashville, many of its biggest names are conspicuously quiet.
The trend is a jarring reminder that corporations have become increasingly relied upon to advocate for public causes, leaving lawmakers to pick up the slack. While major CEOs from across the country came together in 2017 and again this summer to call for stronger gun control laws, their usual silence after the latest mass shooting has raised eyebrows.
The reason behind this unexpected quiet is not due to a lack of concern but frustration. According to Yale professor Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, who runs the Chief Executive Leadership Institute, CEOs are tired of being expected to solve complex social issues on their own. They've already taken a strong stance by joining forces with lawmakers and community groups, but they're waiting for others to do their part.
"This is not what we're hearing from top CEOs," Sonnenfeld said in an interview. "They're frustrated that everyone else isn't doing more."
The notion that corporate America has become the go-to voice on social issues may be overstated. While big business has indeed taken a strong stance on various causes, it's essential to recognize that their influence is not without limits.
"We've taken a very strong stance, but we're not where the general public is on surveys," Sonnenfeld pointed out. "We're ready for others to now do something."
One area where CEOs have traditionally excelled is in mobilizing large numbers of people through their social networks and resources. Their efforts can create significant social capital, which can be as valuable as financial capital.
However, this does not mean that CEOs are somehow above the fray or more powerful than ordinary citizens. Rather, they're seeking to build a broader coalition behind their causes by encouraging others to join in.
The business world has long been vocal on gun control issues, but after the latest mass school shooting in Nashville, many of its biggest names are conspicuously quiet.
The trend is a jarring reminder that corporations have become increasingly relied upon to advocate for public causes, leaving lawmakers to pick up the slack. While major CEOs from across the country came together in 2017 and again this summer to call for stronger gun control laws, their usual silence after the latest mass shooting has raised eyebrows.
The reason behind this unexpected quiet is not due to a lack of concern but frustration. According to Yale professor Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, who runs the Chief Executive Leadership Institute, CEOs are tired of being expected to solve complex social issues on their own. They've already taken a strong stance by joining forces with lawmakers and community groups, but they're waiting for others to do their part.
"This is not what we're hearing from top CEOs," Sonnenfeld said in an interview. "They're frustrated that everyone else isn't doing more."
The notion that corporate America has become the go-to voice on social issues may be overstated. While big business has indeed taken a strong stance on various causes, it's essential to recognize that their influence is not without limits.
"We've taken a very strong stance, but we're not where the general public is on surveys," Sonnenfeld pointed out. "We're ready for others to now do something."
One area where CEOs have traditionally excelled is in mobilizing large numbers of people through their social networks and resources. Their efforts can create significant social capital, which can be as valuable as financial capital.
However, this does not mean that CEOs are somehow above the fray or more powerful than ordinary citizens. Rather, they're seeking to build a broader coalition behind their causes by encouraging others to join in.
I feel like we need some big business leaders to actually make some noise after these mass shootings. Not just tweeting support for gun control and then going back to their usual lives... it's about showing up, making a real impact. 
We all know they've got the resources to make some serious changes. It'd be nice if they could use those same resources to push for some actual policy change 
. I mean, we've seen them all come together to talk about climate change and social justice, but when it comes to something as important as preventing mass shootings, they just... ghost 
. It's not that they don't care, they're actually really frustrated because they feel like everyone else is supposed to be doing more 
.
. But, as Sonnenfeld said, their influence isn't all-powerful, and we need to recognize that there are limits to what they can do 
.
. Like, have you seen the work that activists like Greta Thunberg are doing? That's some real leadership right there 
!
. Plus, can't they just pay their employees a living wage or something so they don't have to worry about school shootings? 
Just kidding, kinda. But seriously, corporations do have a big influence, but it's not like they're the only ones who care about these issues. We need more grassroots movement and less corporate speak 
.
.
. They want others to step up and join the conversation, which I get 
. So why the silence now? Is it because they're feeling overwhelmed or burnt out from all the pressure 
? Or is there another reason altogether?
corporate america is supposed to be all about making a difference but now theyre too scared to say anything 
its like theyre waiting for someone else to take the lead on gun control issues 
but honestly who else is gonna do it? 
lets hear from some big names in the business world already 
. Like, they're not tryna be heroes or anythin, they just wanna see some progress happen 
. The Yale professor seems right - corporate America has done their part by joining forces with lawmakers and community groups, but now they want others to step up.
. They're just using their influence to build a bigger coalition behind their causes, which is actually pretty cool 
. I wish more people would listen to them and work together on this issue - it could make a real difference 
.
.
... maybe it's time for them to step up and lead by example 
It's like they're expecting others to pick up the slack.
i mean, it's not like they're scared or anything lol 
like they've taken a big role in bringing people together and pushing for change. But right now, it feels like they're waiting for others to step up too? 
. Maybe we need to see more of a collective effort from everyone involved? 
. I mean, we need more than just the CEO's voice on this issue - what about the everyday people who get hurt by these mass shootings? We can't rely on them to make things happen 
. Can we please just have a forum where everyone can have an honest conversation about this stuff without all the corporate politics?