Companies Joining Consumer-Led Boycotts

Boycotts have historically been an effective mechanism to communicate an advocacy-based message, and some companies are now participating in consumer-led boycotts, with positive results for both the companies and central issue involved.

A 2006 Executive Decision article concluded that the effectiveness of boycotts is “solid.” Traditionally, embargoes turn a large number of customers against a company so that it feels forced to make a policy change. Recently, however, even some companies are now considering joining in on boycotts.

In this new boycott model, advocacy groups invite a business to join a boycott, and companies are asked to take a progressive, ethical stand on an issue. Specifically, the boycott against Canadian seafood to protest the seal hunt is discussed in the article.