#BlackLivesMatter: The Importance of Action and Authenticity

For many consumers, how and if an executive and their company respond to social issues has grown increasingly important. In one survey, 72% of Americans said it was important to them that companies they purchase from reflected their values. In another survey, 81% believed CEOs have an obligation to speak out about social issues. In the wake of nationwide protests in the U.S. against racist discrimination and police brutality, many brands and executives have taken to social media to voice their support for the black community. Although many of these messages have been praised, an increasing number have received backlash too. For instance, CBS and L’Oréal have been called out by consumers for their past controversies that seem to contradict their support of the movement. In this article, we will look at why messages of solidarity must be authentic and one...