A Commentary on Fezzey et al. (2024): CEOs as Propagandists,Backroom Dealmakers,Extremists,and Hypocrites

Abstract

Fezzey et al. (2024) created a useful decision matrix that identifies the ways in which public statements and economic actions are likely viewed by stakeholders. However, it fell short in that their description of the engagement strategies and likely outcomes were largely limited to a consideration of aligned CEO activism and stakeholder values. To address this oversight, I expand Fezzey et al.’s thinking to account for misaligned activism. I offer alternative terminology that reflects how opponents (vs. proponents) would likely view CEOs following the various forms of activism and provide a brief overview of the likely outcomes – and degree of severity of said outcomes – of these misaligned efforts.