Even within large firms,employees overwhelming believe their bosses should express public opinions on issues ranging from mental health to domestic violence to the environment.
The government has publicly chastised businesses for bringing up social issues,with the Prime Minister Scott Morrison tellingThe Australian last week he wanted a conversation with the corporate sector about the economy not"distractions". That followed a speech from Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister Ben Morton in which he blasted business for speaking out on social issues but being missing in action on debates about tax or industrial relations.
Business Council of Australia chief executive Jennifer Westacott said the group has"tirelessly advocated"for tax reform.
"No-one could suggest that the BCA hasn't spoken up on economic issues,"she said.
She said companies needed to make their own decisions about their public position on wider issues and were entitled to do soon a "case by case basis".
"It is about getting the balance right,"she said. "Many people who work in companies expect their chief executives to speak up on social issues. Employees expect their CEOs to stand for something."
The BCA will lead its annual delegation of members to Canberra this week for meetings with politicians and Ms Westacott said the relationship between business and the government was crucial to addressing the country's economic challenges.