Ahead of Election Day: A Social Media Test for Companies

SMITH BRAIN TRUST – At a time when Americans are sharply divided about politics, corporate compliance officers are under pressure to talk to employees about ethical behavior, in the office and on social media.

Corporate codes of conduct and social media policies typically merely graze the issue, but with companies increasingly vulnerable to reputational risks and potential consumer boycotts, experts say it’s not a bad idea to remind employees to be careful what they post.

Clifford Rossi, clinical professor of finance and risk management expert at the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business, spoke to The Wall Street Journal recently about the topic. He says the potential consequences for businesses can be massive.

“Awareness and sensitivity is really what this is about,” Rossi is quoted as saying. “That’s how you manage this risk: Make people more aware of their actions and the consequences.”

Read more: Election Tests Companies’ Policies on Social Media, Political Speech.