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NGO activism: Exposure vs. influence

Author

Listed:
  • Fioretti, Michele
  • Saint-Jean, Victor
  • Smith, Simon C.

Abstract

We examine how NGOs time campaigns to influence corporate decisions at Annual General Meetings (AGMs). Using data on 2,500 U.S. campaigns, we find that NGOs often campaign on the AGM date, which increases media exposure and future shareholder proposals but does not affect current AGM votes or consumers. As NGOs gain reputational capital, they shift to earlier pre-AGM campaigns to support related shareholder proposals and directly improve corporate behavior. The evidence underscores a strategic trade-off between visibility and influence, showing how NGO tactics evolve with NGOs' credibility and the changing expectations of socially conscious stakeholders about NGO activities.

Suggested Citation

  • Fioretti, Michele & Saint-Jean, Victor & Smith, Simon C., 2025. "NGO activism: Exposure vs. influence," Working Papers 373, The University of Chicago Booth School of Business, George J. Stigler Center for the Study of the Economy and the State.
    • Handle: RePEc:zbw:cbscwp:336740
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    File URL: https://www.econstor.eu/bitstream/10419/336740/1/1949600106.pdf
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    JEL classification:

    • L21 - Industrial Organization - - Firm Objectives, Organization, and Behavior - - - Business Objectives of the Firm
    • L31 - Industrial Organization - - Nonprofit Organizations and Public Enterprise - - - Nonprofit Institutions; NGOs; Social Entrepreneurship

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