Prof. Aseem Prakash and colleague Prof. Nives Dolšak in Forbes write about the public perceptions of corporations.
How does the public decide whether a firm is a climate hero or a villain? Do people look at the firm’s records in detail, or do they focus on visible issues? In reality, most people do not have time and resources to gather information (and the capacity to process it). “Boundedly rational” individuals rely on short cuts, often triggered by visible issues. This is why organizations carefully manage their corporate communications with the aim to shine the spotlight on good things and play down stuff that is less flattering.
So how does Starbuck's new CEO's decision to commute via private jet comport?
For liberals, governments and firms are not doing enough on climate issues. They are particularly critical of the affluent classes that have disproportionately high carbon footprints. To them...corporate jet issue shows the elite contempt for climate issues; as one commentator noted, “Forget conspicuous consumption – it feels like we have entered an era of contemptuous consumption.” Even Taylor Swift has been criticized for her jet use!
Please link here for the full article.