The latest book by Stuart Thomson, The Company and the Activist: Going Beyond PR, has been published by Routledge.
Addressing the rise of a new breed of activists who present a real threat not only to reputations but to business operations, this book explores what businesses need to understand about these communities, why they should be taken seriously, and how business leaders can successfully navigate this shifting terrain.
Existing business books address only the communications challenges involved in the rise of these new communities, but this book goes beyond PR issues to the very real impact on business decisions – and acknowledges that businesses must understand activists, and vice versa, if progress is to be made. To lead this conversation, the book includes interviews and contributions from key players across activism and businesses to look at how both sides operate and what success looks like for them. It also features practical steps that businesses can take to build a network of supporters, drawing on global examples from the corporate sector, grassroots campaigns, and people and organisations taking up the mantle of activism.
Leaders and professionals working in all aspects of business, across industries and firm types, will appreciate learning about what drives activists and how businesses can work with them to not only avoid reputational damage, but to create stronger connections and, perhaps, a better world.
Stuart has secured a 20% discount on the book for PubAffairs. Just use the code EFLY04! at checkout online here.
"This book offers an insightful analysis of the evolving landscape of activism and its profound implications for business. Packed full of insight, practical advice and real-world examples, this book helps to build knowledge and understanding for all concerned. A must-read for anyone serious about mastering the complexities of the modern business environment." Alastair McCapra, Chief Executive, CIPR – Chartered Institute of Public Relations
"Stuart Thomson’s new book, The Company and the Activist, argues that anti-corporate activist campaigns can have a wide-ranging impact on a company’s reputation and profitability. That’s because most of the groups that challenge large corporations aren’t just publicity hounds trying to embarrass Big Pharma, Big Tech, Big Food or one of the other Big Sectors. They know how to lobby, how to create a grassroots movement, how to launch shareholder campaigns, how to partner with organized labor, and how to steer consumers away from brands. They also know how to reach a company’s employees.
Businesses have many more options available to respond to these challenges than they realize, but first they must understand the dynamics of present- day activism. Thompson, who is an astute observer and researcher on public affairs strategies, does a brilliant job analyzing why different approaches will or won’t work in different circumstances." Doug Pinkham, President, Public Affairs Council
"Stuart is a deep thinker about the issues which challenge organisations and their place in society. This book is a timely and highly readable analysis on how business and civil society can work together." Iain Anderson, Founding Partner and Executive Chairman, H/Advisors Cicero; author; Non Executive Director
"Businesses do not operate in a vacuum. They're impacted by and impact the economy and society. In a globalised and digital world, it is easier than ever to find examples of activists targeting and working with businesses. This book explains the different types of activists and their varied relationships with business. This is a great read for activists and businesses alike that want to collaborate, or at least better understand one another." Rebecca Deegan, Founder & CEO, I Have A Voice