Corporate Democratic Responsibility: The Role of Companies in Supporting Democracy
Type
working paper
Date Issued
2024
Author(s)
Abstract
This article introduces the concept of Corporate Democratic Responsibility (CDR) and its practical application through Corporate Democratic Education (CDE), exploring how businesses can actively contribute to safeguarding the integrity and stability of democratic societies. As democracy faces increasing challenges-such as political disengagement, disinformation, populism, and the erosion of democratic norms-companies are expected not only to avoid undermining democracy but also to contribute proactively to its preservation. Building on Böckenförde's reflections on the preconditions of democracy and Popper's defense of the open society, CDR extends the traditional scope of Corporate Social Responsibility and Political Corporate Social Responsibility, urging companies to take purposeful roles in strengthening democratic institutions. CDE operationalizes this by promoting political literacy and fostering civic engagement among both internal and external stakeholders, ensuring that businesses play a pivotal role in cultivating a more informed and resilient citizenry. The paper concludes with a call for future research on the implications of CDR and CDE for CSR and the evolving role of businesses in shaping public discourse in democracies. Given the increasing threats to democratic systems, deepening our understanding of these concepts is crucial for both academic inquiry and guiding business practices, helping organizations contribute to democracy's resilience.
Keywords
corporate democratic responsibility
business and democracy
political corporate social responsibility
democratic resilience
corporate political engagement
HSG Classification
contribution to scientific community
Refereed
No
Official URL
Subject(s)
Division(s)