The Code of Conduct mandates responsible political behavior by instructing employees to avoid using company funds for personal political activities. This promotes a level of accountability and prevents the misuse of corporate resources, yet the guidelines remain largely procedural and do not actively challenge authoritarian practices.

Activision Blizzard | Code of Conduct

The NLRB has accused Activision Blizzard of engaging in serious anti-union practices by spying on employees and threatening to shut down internal communication channels, which are essential for organizing union efforts. Such actions not only violate labor rights but also contribute to an authoritarian corporate culture that undermines democratic principles in the workplace.

NLRB accuses Activision Blizzard of labor violations during unionization efforts

Activision Blizzard's disclosure reveals that the company refrains from direct political contributions and strictly adheres to regulatory requirements in its political engagement. However, its use of trade association dues for lobbying purposes indicates an ongoing involvement in political processes that can indirectly support existing power structures. From an anti-fascist perspective, even regulated and transparent political lobbying can perpetuate the influence of corporate interests in ways that undermine democratic accountability.

Activision Blizzard Political Activities 2022

Activision Blizzard is accused of using illegal surveillance tactics and suppressing employee communication to undermine unionization efforts. Such actions violate fundamental labor rights and contribute to an authoritarian corporate culture that discourages collective worker empowerment, aligning with broader concerns over corporate complicity in authoritarian practices.

Activision Blizzard accused of illegal surveillance in new NLRB complaint

Activision Blizzard is accused of retaliatory practices against workers seeking union representation at its Raven Software studio. The actions described—including cutting QA contractors, dismantling dedicated teams, and disseminating anti-union messages—demonstrate a systematic approach to stifling labor organization. These practices undermine worker rights and contribute to a power dynamic that favors corporate control over employee agency, aligning with larger authoritarian tendencies that discourage dissent.

Activision Blizzard faces unfair labor practices complaint over staff unionization efforts

The reported donations made by CEO Bobby Kotick, through entities such as Norgate LLC and 807080A LLC, total over $600,000 in support of Republican causes. This action is concerning from a public and political behavior standpoint as it suggests disproportionate financial backing towards candidates that may promote policies aligned with far-right or authoritarian ideologies. Such political contributions can undermine democratic accountability and reflect corporate complicity in fostering environments conducive to conservative authoritarianism.

Activision Blizzard CEO reportedly donated £450,000 to Republican causes

This rating reflects serious allegations of labour rights violations at Activision Blizzard, including sexual harassment, discrimination, and coercive tactics against employees. The company's history of legal challenges, including a July 2021 lawsuit and subsequent initiatives announced in October 2021, indicate ongoing issues in protecting worker rights. Such actions contribute to an environment that devalues ethical labor practices and supports coercive workplace cultures.

USA: Activision Blizzard accused of labour rights violations, discrimination & sexual harassment; incl. co. comment

The complaint underscores serious allegations of labor rights violations including union-busting, surveillance of protected concerted activities, and widespread employee intimidation. Such actions not only undermine workers' rights but also contribute to an authoritarian corporate ethos that indirectly supports oppressive power structures. This reflects negatively under Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility with a specific impact on Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices.

Activision Blizzard employees, CWA, file complaint for unfair labor practices

Influence from major stakeholders such as Tencent and the necessity to access markets with strict censorship laws have contributed to Activision Blizzard instituting policies that favor economic interests over democratic values, reflecting structural shortcomings.

Video game censorship is authoritarians’ latest tool to muzzle speech

In terms of 'Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility', the decision reflects poor ethical judgment by sacrificing customer trust and democratic values for market interests. This act demonstrates a willingness to compromise on ethical standards in favor of financial gains.

Blizzard Hong Kong controversy: what happened and why it matters - Vox

The report from Digital Democracy demonstrates that Activision Blizzard has engaged in multiple forms of financial interactions with elected officials, which may serve to secure favorable policy outcomes. From a left-leaning perspective, such financial entanglements can be seen as a method for corporate interests to influence legislative processes, potentially undermining democratic accountability and enabling authoritarian tendencies. The lack of transparency and potential alignment with far-right priorities is particularly concerning.

Activision Blizzard | Digital Democracy