Keep Politics Out of the Boardroom.

• Author: Elson, Charles
• Position: EDITOR'S NOTE - Editorial

We were traditionally taught that there were two things never discussed in polite company--religion and politics. These were guaranteed to ruin any family Thanksgiving dinner. Why? Because they were naturally divisive--subjects about which every member of any gathering would have widely differing and emotionally charged views. That is why they are best discussed elsewhere.

Today we are in the midst of a period of tremendous political controversy and upheaval.

Politics permeates almost every aspect of our lives, including whom we are asked to vote for, the entertainment we watch and listen to, and even the simple products we purchase for everyday needs. Quite naturally, it has begun to affect the functioning of the modern corporation.

Recently, some have argued that in the absence of a clear and coherent direction from our political leadership, corporations and their leaders must now take principled stances on the varied controversial social issues of the day. CEOs and the companies that they lead have begun to take well-publicized positions on such issues as sexual and racial equality, immigration reform and environmental quality. Whether on the right or on the left, our corporate leadership has begun to speak out continually on issues they believe must be addressed.

While on one level appealing, basically this is wrong. I express no opinion on their viewpoints, but question whether they, and the companies they lead, should be active participants in the debate at all. Traditionally companies avoided politics. Why? Because it was divisive and that was what the governmental sector was supposed to do. To be successful, a business must operate as a team. Corporate teams thrive only if they work together for the commonly shared goal of corporate success. Politics destroys that unity of purpose just as it does Thanksgiving meals.

Companies, as well as their customers, suppliers, employees and even directors, are made up of a group as diverse as our society itself. Any time that a company leader takes a position on a political issue and acts in the name of the corporation itself, that important unity is shattered. Though many will support the position, an equal number will probably oppose it and...