Navigating stormy times with stoicism

Abstract

Companies are caught in a bind. Stakeholder pressure often pushes firms to address controversial socio-political issues through corporate social advocacy (CSA). Yet, CSA risks backlash from polarized audiences, potentially damaging corporate reputation, relationships, and legitimacy. This dilemma sparks the question: Should companies engage in CSA in polarized times? I turn to the ancient Hellenistic philosophy of Stoicism for answers. I discuss four selected Stoic thoughts and offer practical advice for managers on whether and how to engage in CSA in stormy, polarized times.