The recent US election highlights challenges that are impacting democracies around the world. Increasing polarization, mis- and disinformation, a loss of trust in democratic institutions and the rise of authoritarian tendencies in many governments are testing the resilience of democratic systems not only in the US but across Europe and beyond. In fact, according to recent studies, democracy is on decline in half of the world’s countries.
Not only does this pose risks for citizens – it’s also bad for the economy. Decades of research show that businesses fare better in environments that offer stability, transparency and the rule of law – all hallmarks of democratic systems.
At The DO, we’re committed to uniting business leaders and organizations to build a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable future. For us, strengthening democracy is a key part of this effort.
Building broad coalitions
We recognize that business leaders often find it difficult to take action on democratic efforts in isolation. But as the saying goes, there’s strength in numbers! We’re working to bring leaders together in broad coalitions, and support them in creating solutions to help strengthen democracy. With changemakers across a variety of sectors, we’re advancing initiatives that emphasize:
- Open dialogue across organizations and geographical regions to reduce division and build understanding.
- Partnerships with peers across industries, setting aside competition to address common goals as a group.
- Inclusive leadership that truly reflects the interests and orientation of diverse groups – both within and beyond an organization’s workforce.
- Citizen-enabling practices that promote the resilience of businesses and the communities in which they operate.
- Elevating employee voices to strengthen the workplace and the communities where employees live and work.
- Leveraging business resources – whether through philanthropy, advocacy, expertise, or infrastructure – to support pro-democratic civil society.
Combating mis- and disinformation
Any work that business leaders do to bolster democracy would not be complete without an action plan for mis- and disinformation, which is increasingly eroding trust, deepening societal divides and undermining the stability of institutions. For business, the implications are stark: falsehoods not only distort public discourse but also disrupt markets, alienate customers, and damage workplace cohesion. But as gatekeepers of influential platforms and trusted brands, businesses are uniquely positioned to push back by:
- Promoting media literacy among employees and customers to foster critical thinking about information sources and share information responsibly
- Committing to transparency in corporate communications by sharing information clearly, citing reliable sources, and correcting inaccuracies promptly.
- Engaging in constructive dialogue with platforms and media outlets to ensure accurate representation in the marketplace of ideas.
We all have a part to play in defending democracy. For us, it’s empowering business leaders and employees with the skills to implement meaningful, pro-democracy practices. If you’re interested in joining us to build a society grounded in trust, equity and integrity, we hope you’ll reach out to us. Because what’s good for democracy is good for business.
