CORPORATE POLITICAL-ACTION - THE EROSION OF THE POLITICAL SPEECH DOCTRINE

In response to maturing markets and varying levels of government involvement, marketers have developed political management programs that monitor, counter and/or attempt to change the context in which the firm operates. This article focuses on corporate political action and explores the legal and managerial issues arising from the political power many corporations now possess. Emphasis is given to the Supreme Court's political speech doctrine, which constitutionally restrains legislative initiatives limiting political action. Recent court decisions are summarily analyzed and their implications for marketers and public policy explored.