Corporate America’s anti-woke retreat is reaching its limits

Corporate America's recent retreat from its anti-woke stance appears to be reaching its limits, with a new model of corporate purpose emerging in its wake. This shift is driven by shareholders, who are increasingly selective about how companies address social impact issues, with anti-ESG proposals receiving less than 2% support on average.

Despite this, many corporations are continuing their purpose work and changing how they describe their programs publicly. Even companies with conservative roots, such as Chick-fil-A and Bass Pro Shops, maintain statements supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as conservation efforts. This evidence suggests that corporate purpose has always belonged across the political divide, and companies understand the importance of caring about all people and the shared planet.