Corporate risk from extremist groups

Abstract

Corporations are increasingly being targeted by activist groups seeking to influence their business decisions. Activists target companies for a variety of reasons. Some feel companies have too much power over their lives; some feel companies put profits over people; and others feel the companies’ actions exploit people, animals and/or the environment. Some companies are targeted simply because they have a business relationship with a targeted company. While most activists use peaceful protests as a way of voicing their opinions, others resort to criminal activity to influence corporate decisions. Radical extremists use tactics of intimidation, threats and criminal activity to achieve their goal. Activist campaigns typically follow leaderless resistance models in which a number of organisations or individuals move against a targeted industry or company. These groups operate autonomously but share ideas, information and research. Preparation and planning is the difference between companies that endure an activist campaign and those that are unable to recover fully. The preparation process should include the following steps: (1) evaluate risk and exposure, (2) conduct a vulnerability assessment, (3) do advanced planning, and (4) engage in intelligence monitoring.