Penguin Books

London, United Kingdom

Penguin Books is a major publishing house known for publishing a wide range of books across various genres, including nonfiction and fiction. Originally established to bring quality literature to the mass market, Penguin has had a significant impact on the publishing industry, pioneering the widespread distribution of affordable paperbacks.

CCI Score

64.76

-0.03% April 18

Latest Event

Penguin Books Publishes The Portable Feminist Reader

Penguin Books, by publishing Roxane Gay's The Portable Feminist Reader, demonstrates its commitment to progressive cultural discourse and accountability in a time when authoritarian practices and regressive policies are on the rise. This move underlines its support for inclusive narratives and the evolution of feminist thought.

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LEADER

Penguin Books is currently rated as a Leader.

+45 to +100 CCI Score

Companies in this range actively lead the fight against authoritarianism by rejecting oppressive practices and championing democratic values. They implement robust policies, engage in transparent governance, and drive initiatives that set the standard for corporate responsibility.

Latest Events

MAR

25

2025

Penguin Books Publishes The Portable Feminist Reader
75.00

Penguin Books, by publishing Roxane Gay's The Portable Feminist Reader, demonstrates its commitment to progressive cultural discourse and accountability in a time when authoritarian practices and regressive policies are on the rise. This move underlines its support for inclusive narratives and the evolution of feminist thought.
OCT

10

2024

Hires Public Policy Manager to Combat Book Bans
75.93

Penguin Random House, part of Penguin Books, has hired a Public Policy Manager to oppose book bans and censorship. This move is seen as an effort to uphold free speech and democratic values by actively engaging in public policy and political discourse, countering authoritarian trends.
+80

Public and Political Behavior

March 25

By hiring a Public Policy Manager tasked with countering book bans, Penguin Random House demonstrates proactive engagement in public policy to protect free speech and democratic norms. Such action directly challenges censorship and authoritarian practices, aligning with positive anti-fascist and pro-democratic values.

Penguin Random House Hires Public Policy Manager to Push Freedom to Read Legislation | Censorship News
OCT

03

2024

Penguin Books Hires Lobbyist to Combat Book Banning
75.78

Penguin Books has appointed Rosalie Stewart as its new senior public policy manager to actively fight against book banning campaigns and censorship, demonstrating a commitment to protecting free expression and democratic access to literature.
+80

Public and Political Behavior

March 25

Penguin Books' decision to hire a senior public policy manager to combat efforts to ban books signals a strong commitment to countering censorship and defending democratic principles. By taking a proactive stance against authoritarian attempts to restrict access to literature, the company is reinforcing values of free expression and diversity in public discourse.

America’s Biggest Publisher Just Hired a Lobbyist to Fight Book Banning. She’s Got a Plan.
MAY

17

2023

Penguin Books: Standing Against Censorship in Florida
70.50

Penguin Books, operating under the Penguin Random House banner, has taken a strong public stance against censorship by joining a lawsuit against a Florida school district that removed books addressing race and LGBTQ+ identities. This legal action underscores their commitment to protecting free speech and equitable access to diverse perspectives.
+90

Public and Political Behavior

March 25

Penguin Books has demonstrated exemplary public and political behavior by using its platform to oppose government-sanctioned censorship. By supporting the legal challenge against the Escambia County School District, they reaffirm the fundamental democratic right of free speech and the importance of diverse literary voices.

PEN America, Penguin Random House sue Florida school district over book bans
+80

Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility

March 25

By engaging in legal proceedings to oppose ideologically driven censorship, Penguin Books reinforces its commitment to ethical business practices and responsibility. Their actions contribute positively to a broader effort against authoritarian policies and uphold progressive values in literary and cultural discourse.

PEN America, Penguin Random House sue Florida school district over book bans
FEB

17

2022

Penguin Books CEO Donation to Fight Book Bans
56.46

Penguin Random House CEO Markus Dohle announced a personal donation of $500,000 to PEN America to combat book bans in the United States, demonstrating his commitment to defending free expression and democracy.
+80

Public and Political Behavior

March 25

The donation represents a proactive act of public and political engagement by the company's leadership. By funding PEN America to fight book bans, the CEO positions Penguin Books as a defender of free expression and democracy, directly countering authoritarian censorship tactics.

Book Publishing CEO Donates $500,000 to Fight Book Bans
+75

Executive Political Engagement

March 25

Markus Dohle’s personal financial commitment and his active role on the PEN America board highlight strong executive political engagement. His efforts to support initiatives that resist censorship and authoritarianism demonstrate a principled use of corporate leadership in the political arena.

Book Publishing CEO Donates $500,000 to Fight Book Bans
JAN

01

2017

Penguin’s Supply Chain Transparency Enhances Ethical Practices
34.88

Penguin’s participation in the Ethical Supply Chain Program underscores its commitment to responsible sourcing and robust labor rights, reflecting a proactive stance toward ethical supply chain management.
+80

Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices

March 25

Penguin (via its affiliation with Penguin Random House) has demonstrated a strong commitment to labor rights by ensuring that its suppliers adhere to strict ethical guidelines. Its active pursuit of supply chain transparency and remediation of non-compliances highlights robust labor relations and respect for worker rights.

Total supply chain transparency
+80

Supply Chain Ethics

March 25

Through its early adoption and continuous commitment to the Ethical Supply Chain Program, the company has ensured comprehensive transparency in its sourcing practices. This not only reduces risks related to unethical labor practices but also sets a high standard for supply chain ethics in the publishing industry.

Total supply chain transparency