Dialogue Project urges business to lead on civil discourse and debate
A research study aims to educate and inspire business leaders to do more to solve the twin societal issues of poor conversation and growing polarisation.
It is becoming increasingly difficult to hold civil conversations with people that hold differing views. However business has a unique opportunity to help promote civil discourse for their employees and the communities that they support.
These are the headline findings from the Dialogue Project a study that explores ways of improving civil discourse and reducing the polarisation in society. It is an important piece of work.
The publication of the report is timely as the US enters the final month of the election campaign; society faces the challenge of COVID-19 and racial conflict; and both social and mainstream media activity contribute to the polarisation.
Data identifies difficult conversations
In the countries surveyed, politics (68%), race (64%), and sexual orientation (64%) are the three hardest subjects to have constructive conversations about with people who hold differing views.
The most difficult issues for people to find common ground in the U.S. were politics (76%), race/ethnicity (71%), and gun laws (70%).
82% said people should be more respectful when talking with those with different views, but only 50% said they should spend more time doing so. And only one-quarter reported that they often do.
Respondents were split on the impact that COVID-19 had on their ability to have respectful dialogue with those who hold differing beliefs.
In the UK and Germany half respondents say COVID-19 had “no impact.” Nearly two-thirds (62%) in India said they were “more able” to have respectful dialogue while in the US, nearly half (46%) said they were “less able.”
Sources of polarisation
Politicians were identified by 81% across countries as being the most responsible for difficulties in finding common ground between people who hold opposing political and social views.
Others responsible include social media (80%); country leaders (79%); broadcast/cable news (75%); and national/international newspapers (75%).
Finding common ground
Overall, electing leaders who inspire people to be more civil to one another was the most identified solution. India (82%) and Brazil (82%) saw this as being a more effective solution than Germany (56%).
In the countries surveyed, 70% of respondents said people should be encouraged to communicate more often with those who hold opposing views. An overwhelming 87% in India agreed with this, while Germans (55%) were less likely.
Seventy percent of respondents suggested encouraging family and friends to communicate with those of opposing views may be a solution.
Two-thirds of respondents recommended embracing efforts by companies focused on helping people find common ground. India (80%) and Brazil (78%) were more likely to agree with this compared to Germany (52%). Two-thirds of U.S respondents supported companies helping people.
Compared to the other recommendations, fewer people supported electing leaders who will pass legislation to address divisiveness. Only 40% of German respondents agreed with this, while India (78%) and Brazil (73%) saw higher levels of support.
Proactive action that businesses can take
The Dialogue Project has identified eight principles drawn from case studies, articles and other sources and suggest some ways companies can help move the conversation forward and bridge the divide.
Commitment starts from the top: listen and be accountable
Listen to understand, not to win
Encourage and reward/acknowledge compromise
Value diverse points-of-view and make space for new ideas
Build and have empathy
Rely on facts instead of emotion
Ensure everyone feels heard
Start at the root of the problem
About The Dialogue Project
The Dialogue Project was created by Bob Feldman, Vice Chair, ICF Next. It was sponsored by the Institute of Public Relations and supported by Bristol-Myers Squibb, Chevron, Google, HP, Southwest Airlines and the University of Southern California.
Practitioners from around the world contributes a series of perspectives on dialogue from business leaders including General Motors CEO Mary Barra, and JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon; alongside case studies from organisations including Chevron, General Mills and Lloyds.
The Dialogue Project worked with Morning Consult to conduct a survey of 5,000 adults in July 2020 in five countries: Brazil, Germany, India, the UK, and the US.
