Führungskräfte in Deutschland sehen Zusammenhang zwischen Demokratie und Unternehmenserfolg

Stable Democracy as the Foundation for Corporate Success

According to a survey conducted by the polling institute YouGov on behalf of the European Movement Germany, over 75 percent of executives in Germany believe that the economic success of their companies is strongly dependent on stable democratic conditions. This insight is based on the responses of 505 executives from companies with at least 50 employees, who were surveyed between May 18 and May 27.

Planning Security as Key

Notably, 78 percent of respondents see a direct link between democratic stability and corporate success. For 44 percent of executives, democratic stability is an important prerequisite for planning security, investments, and economic development. Additionally, 9 percent consider this stability to be business-critical, underscoring the relevance of this issue for corporate practice.

Another interesting finding from the survey is that 25 percent of executives regard democratic stability as indirectly relevant for a stable business environment. In contrast, 17 percent believe that while the stability of democracy is socially important, it has little impact on economic success. Five percent of respondents could not express a clear opinion on this matter.

Fundamental Rights and Rule of Law as Priorities

The survey also reveals that executives in Germany view the protection of fundamental and civil rights, as well as the rule of law and an independent judiciary, as the most important aspects of democracy. A large majority of respondents support companies publicly taking a stance on democratic principles, particularly against extremism or anti-democratic movements. However, the majority is skeptical about publicly praising or criticizing political parties.

Risk Factors from Democratic Deficits

Another key finding of the survey is that 62 percent of executives consider the political influence of parties that question democratic principles to be a risk to the economic success of their companies. Only 29 percent of respondents do not see this as a risk, while 9 percent are uncertain.

EU Membership as an Advantage

Despite the challenges associated with EU regulations, a majority of 58 percent of executives view EU membership as beneficial for their company. 27 percent see membership as neutral, while only 13 percent recognize more disadvantages than advantages. This assessment highlights that European integration and the associated framework conditions can have a positive impact on the competitiveness and growth of German companies.

Overall, the survey shows that a stable democratic foundation is crucial not only for society but also for the economic success of companies. This should be taken seriously by both corporate leadership and political decision-makers to ensure long-term location attractiveness and shareholder value.