Companies must clearly campaign against racism
Michael Stuber
Analyse DEI like a scientist + think like an activist + deliver like a strategist = propelling your DEI impact, benefits and progress (aka Engineering D&I)
Companies ask me how to know if a statement was too ‘political’ to make. While this can be a delicate consideration, I recommend two strong criteria that make the decision easy – especially today as #weremember
Both is the case when politicians – anywhere in the world! – make statements against multi-cultural talent, religious groups or sexual minorities or when they want to reduce, limit or hinder the participation of the female majority (e.g. in the workplace). Are general DE&I celebrations enough to create a corporate profile against such policies? Absolutely not.
New role-models that were lacking for decades
In Germany, where the historic responsibility is most pronounced, a few leaders including Evonik CEO, Christian Kuhlmann, former Siemens CEO, Joe Kaeser, and the President of the association of machinery and equipment manufacturing industry, VDMA, Karl Haeusgen, have recently launched clear public statements (in November 2023 and January 2024 respectively) that nationalism or racism have multiple forms of negative impact on business (and beyond). Unlike corporate statements in other countries, they warned of a specific political party of the radical right that has doubled its supporter base in recent polls.
Business Case and Corporate & Brand Values
Such clarity is new and was repeatedly demanded from companies over recent years in the contexts of #BlackLivesMatter (video referenced below), revisiting historic responsibilities (including related to the Shoah) or racist or sexist or homophobic moves from politicians. For a long time, Corporate leaders tried to stay diplomatic but have been learning since 2016 that nationalist politics can (and will) ruin their business. They have also understood that their proclaimed corporate values are expected to become visible in their public words and action – and this expectation is broad, loud and it describes the future markets. There, the vast majority of brands position themselves openly, globally, inclusively etc. They realised that when their brand values are affected, they have to step up. And they do so (only?) around #IWD in March and during Pride month.
Do (today!) what you thought your grand-parents should have done
Safe celebrations in DE&I bubbles are not what the public – or the planet – now need. The severity of campaigns from the radical-right – and additional undermining from all too woke groups – is threatening economic and democratic systems altogether with the generally peaceful global society that were built after the end of the Shoah (and WWII). For some audiences, references to that era sound exaggerated and this clearly confirms the need for more education and awareness. We must create clarity about how the world order after WWI and flourishing diverse societies were destroyed by political groups that never had a majority behind them.
Recommended by LinkedIn
What corporate and business stakeholders can do
Yes, DE&I and all its programmatic, special interest activities are a key foundation for the much-needed public awareness. However, we cannot move on to new topics and tools every year, forgetting about new audiences and new dynamics we need to tackle.
Since the (re)invention of ENGINEERING D&I, in 2018, my work has focused on the other side of DE&I: The company and business specific design of messages and activities that are based on the unique corporate identity, values and maturity of an organisation. This must also be the guideline for public statements against racism and their tonality.
A few leaders have started to stand up and speak up and I am confident that many more will understand why they must do the same and that they find their personal and credible way to do so.
Further reading
I help leaders build inclusive cultures where employees love to do their best work, and customers love to do business
10mohi Michael, I'd love to have another chat and plan an episode of my show together.