Survey of 125 Corporations Also Reveals Concerns Among Corporate Social Impact Professionals About the Future of Corporate DEI
FAIRFAX, VA – As the 2024 presidential election brings diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) into the political spotlight, a new survey of corporate social impact professionals at 125 major corporations reports 96% of their C-Suite executives remain steadfast in their support for diversity initiatives. The CSR Insights Survey conducted by Association of Corporate Citizenship Professionals (ACCP) in partnership with Your Cause® from Blackbaud® comes as a new Gallup poll released recently points to DEI as one of only three issues where Americans want to hear businesses speak out publicly.
ACCP’s CSR Insights Survey also found that more than half (53%) of respondents reported that today’s politicized external landscape has had no impact on their department. However, among the 47% who reported being affected, the most common cited consequence was a change in the communications strategies and how they talked about DEI efforts rather than a substantive change to the actual work.
“Despite the politically charged rhetoric surrounding DEI, the vast majority of companies in our survey continue to strongly support diversity initiatives,” said Carolyn Berkowitz, President and CEO of ACCP. “This aligns with the recent Gallup poll, which shows that both corporate leaders and the public recognize the importance of addressing diversity in today’s global marketplace. While the politicization of DEI may persist, business leaders understand its value, particularly as employees increasingly consider a company’s commitment to an equitable workplace when making employment decisions.”
Full ACCP survey results and topline data illustrations can be viewed here
The survey respondents, who are CSR, ESG and DEI professionals responsible for implementing corporate social impact programs, also expressed concerns about the future of corporate DEI in light of last year’s Supreme Court decision on affirmative action. When asked about their concerns regarding the impact of the Supreme Court ruling and current discussions on ESG and CSR on their company’s DEI commitment, 56% of respondents expressed at least some concern, with 41% “somewhat concerned,” 19% “concerned,” and 6% “very concerned.” However, the overall degree of concern has decreased compared to last fall’s ACCP Pulse Survey.
“In this divisive political climate, companies are adapting by refining how they communicate their DEI efforts and increasing legal oversight of program details,” Berkowitz noted. “But these changes in positioning should not be mistaken for a retreat from their commitment to diversity. Companies continue to engage in DEI efforts because, ultimately, it’s good for business.”
2024 CSR Insights Survey: Top Diversity, Legal and Political Takeaways
The level of corporate commitment to DEI has not wavered, although the language being used, and legal/compliance oversight have changed.
- Eighty-three percent of respondents said their company leadership’s commitment to DEI has remained the same this past year, while 13% say it has increased.
- With the current political, legal and news environment, 31% of respondents have seen a change in the language (31%) their companies use and the amount they talk externally (17%) about DEI.
- Another 33% have seen additional oversight or legal review of DEI-related initiatives.
- Twenty-five percent of respondents are either very concerned or concerned about the SCOTUS Affirmative Action ruling, compared to 34% in the ACCP Pulse Survey in the fall of 2023. However, there was a shift in those somewhat concerned as it increased to 40% from 31%.
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The Association of Corporate Citizenship Professionals (ACCP) is the preeminent membership organization advancing the practice of corporate social impact. ACCP increases the effectiveness of CSR & ESG professionals and their companies by sharing knowledge, fostering solutions, and cultivating inclusive and supportive peer communities. ACCP amplifies the voices of its practitioner network to elevate strategies that work, provide innovative solutions, and expand impact.
