19761: Strategic Adaptation of Nonmarket Strategy in Politically Polarized Times

Sunday, July 27, 2025

12:00 - 13:30 CEST (GMT+2)

Location: Bella Center: Hall C- C1-m3

Session Type: Symposium (panel)
Orientation: Practice,Research,Diversity
Shareable link: https://cdmcd.co/XKyakv

Organizer(s)

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Zhao Li

New York U., United States
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Xuege (Cathy) Lu

U. of Minnesota Carlson School of Management, United States
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Haram Seo

Texas A&M U., Mays Business School, United States

Panelist(s)

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Magali Delmas

University of California Los Angeles, United States
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William Reuben Hurst

U. of Maryland R.H. Smith School of Business, United States
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Jordan Siegel

U. of Michigan, Ross School of Business, United States

In recent years, rising political polarization has emerged as one of the most consequential transformations in the nonmarket landscape, compelling firms worldwide to adapt their strategies. Political polarization presents challenges and opportunities for firms seeking to leverage corporate political activities (CPA) and corporate social responsibility (CSR) for competitive advantage. On the one hand, polarization complicates cross-partisan coalition-building—long considered essential to effective CPA—and erodes broad support for CSR initiatives that have become increasingly politicized. On the other hand, polarization creates opportunities for firms to strategically differentiate themselves in product, labor, and asset markets through socio-political advocacy while repurposing certain CSR practices, such as philanthropy, as alternative channels for CPA. This symposium brings together experts to explore how CPA and CSR, as integral components of firms’ strategic toolkits, are evolving in response to rising polarization and other salient shifts in the broader nonmarket environment.