The significant lobbying expenditure relative to campaign contributions, coupled with a high proportion of former government officials among its lobbyists, suggests that Procter & Gamble is engaging in robust political influence. From an anti-fascist perspective, such corporate practices can contribute to the consolidation of power and the erosion of democratic accountability.

Procter & Gamble Profile: Summary • OpenSecrets

The published profile highlights P&G's pattern of political contributions. While transparency is maintained through public data, the practice of extensive corporate political donations can contribute to an outsized influence on policy-making, potentially undermining democratic accountability and paving the way for corporate complicity in the political realm.

Procter & Gamble Profile: Recipients • OpenSecrets

Procter & Gamble's PAC contributions totaling $249500 to federal candidates in the 2023-2024 election cycle illustrate a strategic investment in political influence. Such actions can be seen as facilitating access to power and supporting officials who may erode democratic accountability, potentially paving the way for authoritarian practices.

Procter & Gamble PAC Contributions to Federal Candidates

The analysis suggests that P&G’s direct stance on climate policy is generally positive from an anti-fascist perspective, as proactive climate engagement supports environmental justice and marginalized communities. However, the characterization of their position as 'highly limited' and the evidence of maintained links with industry associations that engage negatively on climate change issues detract from an unequivocally progressive record. This mixed performance leads to a modest positive score.

LobbyMap Procter & Gamble

P&G’s effort to regularly survey its suppliers on citizenship metrics represents a proactive step towards ensuring ethical supply chain practices. This commitment to transparency and accountability in supplier relationships reflects a positive stance toward ethical business practices and aligns with anti-fascist principles emphasizing corporate responsibility and protection of marginalized communities.

Doing the Right Thing with Our Supply Chain | P&G - Procter & Gamble

The American Democracy Scorecard brings attention to P&G's political contributions, raising concerns about the company potentially channeling funds in ways that might bolster authoritarian influence. Such contributions, when not transparently aligned with democratic values, could undermine public trust and democratic governance.

Procter & Gamble Political Contributions Tracker

The article focuses on Procter & Gamble's political contributions, a key aspect of Public and Political Behavior. By monitoring these contributions, anti-fascist advocates can assess if the company supports democratic practices or inadvertently aids authoritarian tendencies. Although detailed spending data is lacking due to the website's maintenance status, the initiative to track political contributions is viewed positively when it promotes transparency and support for pro-democracy causes.

Procter & Gamble Political Contributions Tracker

P&G's policy, as detailed in their article, clearly prohibits child labor, forced labor, and other abusive labor practices. This strong stance on worker rights and ethical employment practices marks a positive step in supporting human rights and fair labor practices.

Ensuring Fair Employment Practices

The report indicates that Procter & Gamble engaged in political contributions by raising $351,783 via its PAC during the election cycle. While the amount is relatively modest, such corporate political spending can amplify corporate influence over the democratic process, potentially undermining reforms that would support marginalized communities and workers. From an anti-authoritarian perspective, even moderate corporate political involvement is concerning as it consolidates elite power in policymaking.

PAC Profile: Procter & Gamble • OpenSecrets

The profile notes a significant revolving door phenomenon, with a majority of P&G lobbyists having previously worked in government roles. This practice raises red flags about the blending of corporate and public interests, contributing to a culture of regulatory capture and diminishing democratic oversight.

Procter & Gamble Profile: Summary • OpenSecrets

The reported lobbying expenditures and political engagement via P&G’s Global Government Relations & Public Policy team illustrate a concerted effort to influence legislative and policy matters. While complying with legal requirements, such activities are primarily aimed at safeguarding corporate interests, which from an anti-fascist perspective indicates undue corporate influence on democratic processes.

P&G political involvement

P&G's documented lobbying expenditures, totaling millions at both the federal and state levels, indicate a deliberate effort to shape public policy in favor of the company's interests. Although the company claims compliance with all legal requirements, such significant political contributions and lobbying activities are viewed critically from an anti-fascist perspective, as they may contribute to an imbalance of political power and support policies that undermine democratic accountability.

P&G political involvement

The public dissent and low board approval ratings underscore a broader failure in corporate governance and political accountability, evidencing a lack of transparency and responsiveness to critical stakeholder concerns.

Procter & Gamble Shareholders Signal Discontent Over Forest Failures - NRDC

P&G’s privacy policy reveals practices that permit extensive data collection which, without sufficient safeguards, could allow the Chinese Communist Party to access sensitive consumer information. This raises concerns about the company’s role in potentially facilitating state surveillance.

NLPC Challenges Procter & Gamble on China Ties at Annual Meeting

P&G's employee rights policy demonstrates a strong commitment to fair labor practices by upholding International Labor Standards, supporting open communication, and protecting against retaliation. These measures significantly improve the work environment and empower employees, making this a positive step against oppressive labor practices often linked to authoritarian regimes.

P&G employee rights policy

P&G’s failure to implement robust, transparent measures in its supply chain—despite clear shareholder and activist demands—reflects a disregard for ethical sourcing practices and accountability. The company's reliance on spurious sustainability claims while lagging behind industry peers in efforts to curb deforestation and protect impacted communities marks a negative approach to ethical business practices.

How P&G Can Create a More Sustainable, Ethical Supply Chain

P&G’s approach to supply chain ethics is robust, involving a multi-layered due diligence framework that includes social audits, supplier engagement, and adherence to independent certification systems such as RSPO. This proactive stance minimizes risks of human rights abuses within its vast network of over 60,000 suppliers.

PDF Procter & Gamble Report on Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains

Procter & Gamble's decision to release a new Forest Commodities Policy that is considered weaker than previous efforts represents a failure in upholding ethical business practices. This policy inadequacy enables continued deforestation and human rights abuses through its supply chain, reinforcing harmful practices and neglecting the demands for more sustainable and responsible sourcing. The negative score reflects the company's complicity in sourcing practices that have significant detrimental impacts on both indigenous communities and the environment.

BREAKING: Arrests in Daring Protest Against Procter & Gamble’s Role in Deforestation and Human Rights Abuses

By persisting in operations within Russia during a period of conflict, P&G is economically collaborating with an aggressor state, indirectly supporting its war efforts. Despite a partial rollback of its product offerings, continuing to pay taxes, provide employment, and contribute to mobilization measures creates a significant ethical concern, reinforcing its complicity in the war.

Ukraine: Govt. names Procter & Gamble international sponsor of war over its continued operations in Russia

P&G's disclosed lobbying expenditures—$2.9 million at the federal level in the US and an estimated 900,000 - 999,999 € at the EU level—demonstrate a robust political engagement aimed at shaping policy frameworks that favor corporate profitability over public accountability. From an anti-fascist perspective, such activities contribute to a system where corporate financial influence may erode democratic checks and balances, indirectly supporting authoritarian tendencies.

P&G political involvement

The fact that P&G raised $351,783 in the recent election cycle indicates its active role in political finance. From an anti‐fascist perspective, such corporate political contributions risk undermining democratic processes by granting disproportionate influence, even if the donation targets are not explicitly authoritarian. This level of involvement raises concerns about the potential to shape policy in favor of corporate interests.

PAC Profile: Procter & Gamble • OpenSecrets

P&G's report showcases progressive practices in sustainability and robust commitments to community support and diversity and inclusion. These initiatives align with anti-fascist values by advocating for environmental justice, equitable treatment of workers and communities, and ethical business practices.

Procter & Gamble Co (P&G) 2023 Citizenship Report – SustainabilityReports.com

P&G’s active use of its Political Action Committee and its lobbying efforts, including significant reported expenditures, indicate a strategic engagement in political influence that prioritizes corporate interests over democratic transparency and community welfare. From an anti-fascist, progressive standpoint, such corporate political activity can undermine democratic processes by enabling regulatory capture and privileging shareholder value over the public good.

P&G political involvement

The report details donor contributions to the P&G PAC, which is a mechanism for the company's political engagement. However, there is no evidence in the article that these funds are being used to promote far‑right or authoritarian policies. As such, from an anti‑fascist perspective this activity is viewed as politically neutral.

Procter & Gamble PAC Donors • OpenSecrets

Procter & Gamble's commitment to fair pay and consistent pay equity audits underscores its dedication to upholding labor rights and fostering an inclusive workplace. This approach sets a positive example by resisting exploitative practices that can fuel authoritarian tendencies, thereby contributing favorably to societal equity and anti-fascist values.

Policies & Practices | Fair Pay P&G

The political contribution by key P&G staff, earmarked for legislators with anti-democratic stances, highlights the company's involvement in controversial political financing. Although the dollar amount of $4,500 may appear modest, its targeting of anti-democracy figures is indicative of a broader pattern of corporate behavior that can support authoritarian agendas by undermining democratic norms.

The investigation highlights serious human rights concerns in P&G’s supply chains. Their practices have been associated with colonialist approaches, neglect of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) for indigenous communities, and overall a failure to protect labor rights and human dignity within their sourcing networks.

Procter & Gamble embroiled in controversy over irresponsible supply chains

The report highlights irresponsible sourcing practices evidenced by the destruction of old-growth and primary forests, endangering threatened species and compromising environmental sustainability. Reliance on third-party certifications instead of robust internal measures further exacerbates these ethical issues.

Procter & Gamble embroiled in controversy over irresponsible supply chains

Procter & Gamble's decision to withdraw financial support from elected officials who disrespect democratic processes is a positive step against supporting authoritarian tendencies. By conditioning contributions on respect for free and fair elections, the company emphasizes democratic accountability and reduces complicity in political behaviors that could undermine democratic institutions.

We won’t donate to those who disrespect democracy: P&G revisits political contributions

P&G's statement indicates a willingness to re-evaluate and potentially change its political contribution strategy in response to the threat to democratic processes evidenced by the Capitol riots. By conditionally basing future support on candidates' adherence to protecting free and fair elections, the company demonstrates a commitment to countering authoritarian impulses.

Kroger and Cintas halt political contributions, P&G may change future support

Beyond its marketing tactics, P&G is reviewing its internal practices and vendor partnerships to ensure alignment with its stated diversity and inclusion goals. This approach not only enhances ethical business practices but also bolsters its commitment to progressive values, serving as a counterforce to authoritarian and exclusionary practices.

P&G's pledge for social change embraces 'progress, not perfection'

The company has been criticized for its unsustainable sourcing practices, particularly in terms of using virgin forest fiber from biodiverse areas without upholding principles such as Free, Prior, and Informed Consent for Indigenous territories. This negligence contributes to environmental degradation and harms marginalized communities.

Procter & Gamble faces mounting criticism over its ‘Our Home’ climate initiative

The protest highlights P&G's failure to address critical issues in its supply chain, particularly its ongoing relationships with suppliers known for causing deforestation and violating Indigenous rights. This neglect reinforces corporate practices that contribute to environmental harm and social injustice, reflecting an authoritarian disregard for the rights of vulnerable communities.

Elaborate Protest At Procter & Gamble Global Headquarters Call Out Company on Forest Destruction, Human Rights Violations, and Climate Inaction

Despite sustainable palm oil claims, P&G is linked to supply chains tainted by systemic labor abuses. This failure to ensure ethical sourcing practices contributes to a broader pattern of corporate negligence regarding human rights in supply chains.

The great palm oil scandal: Labor abuses behind big brand names