Resolved: Exploring the Role of Dialogic Engagement in Shareholder Activism for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

As the drive for enhanced diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) intensifies in the public sphere, shareholders are increasingly leveraging their influence and resources to proactively advance DEI causes that align with broader societal concerns. However, our understanding of "social" shareholder activism remains rudimentary. To address this gap, this research employs the dialogic engagement framework in public relations to examine the interactions between shareholder activists and corporations on DEI issues. Using a mixed methods research design, the study analyzes social issue shareholder proposals voted on from 2010 to 2022 (n = 1773) and conducts a detailed case study of shareholder activist-corporate engagement. Results indicate shareholders' emphasis on an array of DEI matters, spanning from racial disparities to LGBTQ+ rights, and their push for increased disclosures, data-driven reports, and comprehensive racial equity audits. The case study underscores the pivotal role of relational, collaborative dialogic engagement within internal stakeholder activism. The study concludes by discussing various theoretical and practical ramifications stemming from the confluence of internal activism, dialogic engagement, and issues management were discussed.