Should businesses be involved in politics?

Businesses have many reasons in which they ought to be involved and concerned with the political process. Without the American business, the country could not survive on its investments and loans from other countries. Each member of the American business is a part of the American community and has a vote in the affairs of the culture. Participating in the political affairs of the population is beneficial to both the business and the society, and an American right for the individuals in the business. Businesses ought to get involved in the political process because the decisions made by political endeavors affect the business.

Politics is a demand on a business that has high stakes in the changes in the economy. Politicians promise new rules and regulations for a better future with many of the campaign pledges challenging how a company does business (Lawrence, Weber, & Post, 2008). This was seen in the past elections as politicians promised to take charge of Wall Street and other institutions that have reaped benefits in a slumping economy. People became disgruntled with the businesses, the companies were awarded forms of bailout packages and tax breaks, and the government felt obligated to assist the businesses in hopes to keep the economy afloat. The failure of key businesses will cause the economy to falter even further, and people will look to the government for assistance (Phelps, Parsons, Ballas, Dowling, 2006). Businesses must be involved in political situations to voice their opinion about current issues that will affect the business in the future.

Although some businesses are not involved in political acts, politicians and government are actively involved in business affairs. Keeping track of trends and following successful businesses is a common practice for politicians, as it gives politicians an advantage in reaching out to the community and evaluating the economy (Fenwick & Elcock, 2004). Politicians aim to make the product a success for both groups, enhancing the functions of the community and outlying businesses while gaining support for specific political efforts.

Participating in political functions is feasible through the work of lobbyists and other professionals who act on behalf of the business, ensuring that the company has met all of their needs and made adequate contacts for the business (Lawrence, Weber, & Post, 2008). Open communication about this process is mandatory and strict rules apply to those participating in lobbyist positions. Although rules and regulations are made to prevent fraud, lobbyists are fundamental to the business’ operations. Lobbyists are also involved in the political aspect of the business, usually understanding and relaying information that stands for the company in the government (Phelps, Parsons, Ballas, Dowling, 2006). The lobbyist is the voice of the business in politics, and critical to the business’ success in politics.

While businesses must be involved in political processes, politicians must be involved in businesses because of the business’s culmination of private citizens within the corporation. Each individual that is involved in the company has a vote that will add or detract from the politician’s success. Showing interest in, not only the company but also the community allows the politician to gain support from those in the company (Fenwick & Elock, 2004). This could be seen in a governor joining in at a celebration at a local supermarket, or a mayoral nominee holding a rally in a parking lot of a strip mall. Showing support of the community is a method that many politicians use to gain support from local voters.

A business has too much at stake to stay out of the way of politics. Stakeholders, stockholders, and forms of management all benefit from allowing the company to get involved in politics. Companies that become involved in political endeavors are exercising their American freedoms. Supporting political enterprises will make a stronger company, and allow those involved with the company to know that their rights are being fought for and protected.


References available upon request.