Bentley University, in collaboration with the Massachusetts Business Roundtable, convened leading figures from Bay State businesses for a dinner and discussion centered on the findings of the latest Bentley-Gallup Business in Society Report. This report provides crucial insights into American perceptions of business’s societal impact, a vital consideration for all Bentley Companies navigating today’s complex landscape.
Executives from notable organizations including Alkermes, American Tower Corporation, Berkshire Bank, Deloitte, Design Communications Ltd., EY, General Dynamic Mission System, Liberty Mutual, Orsted Offshore North America, and TD Bank participated in the Boston event. Their discussions tackled pressing issues facing businesses amid rapid technological advancements and political uncertainties. Key questions explored included: When is it appropriate for organizations to voice public opinions? How should companies integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) ethically and effectively? And what strategies should be adopted regarding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)?
The 2024 Bentley-Gallup Business in Society report, based on a survey of 5,835 U.S. adults, offers valuable data on public expectations for businesses to contribute positively to society. Several timely topics from this survey were central to the executive discussion:
The Enduring Positive Perception of Business Among Americans
A significant majority of Americans, 63%, maintain a positive view of business, perceiving their impact on people’s lives as either somewhat positive (41%) or extremely positive (22%). This figure remains consistent with 2023 and marks an improvement from 2022, where the positive perception stood at 55%. This indicates a generally favorable backdrop for bentley companies operating within the US.
Diminishing Public Support for Corporate Advocacy
However, the survey reveals a continuing decline in public support for businesses taking public stances on current events and social issues. In 2024, only 38% of Americans believe companies should engage in public advocacy, a decrease from 41% in 2023 and 48% in 2022. The attending executives concurred on the necessity for bentley companies to discern issues of importance to their stakeholders—employees and customers alike—when considering public statements.
DEI Initiatives Remain Critical Despite Headwinds
Despite some companies scaling back DEI efforts, the Bentley-Gallup report underscores the continued importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion. A majority of Americans (59%) believe that companies with diverse workforces are more profitable and innovative. Dinner participants agreed that DEI remains a priority for successful bentley companies, irrespective of shifting external pressures.
Public Concerns Regarding the Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence
The discussion also addressed the transformative influence of AI on the professional world. The Bentley-Gallup survey highlighted that a substantial 77% of Americans express a lack of trust in businesses to utilize AI responsibly. Transparency in AI implementation was identified as a potential solution, with 57% indicating that open communication about AI usage could alleviate their concerns. Furthermore, 75% of Americans anticipate AI leading to a net reduction in jobs over the next decade, a significant consideration for bentley companies as they integrate this technology.
For a deeper understanding of the survey findings, please visit bentley.edu/Gallup.
