Business Perspectives: Insights from Bentley University and the Massachusetts Business Roundtable
Bentley University, in collaboration with the Massachusetts Business Roundtable, recently hosted an enlightening gathering of business leaders in Boston. The focus? The upcoming 2025 Bentley-Gallup Business in Society Report, a pivotal piece of research that reflects how Americans perceive the influence of business on society. With the ever-evolving landscape of corporate responsibility and societal engagement, this discussion was particularly timely.
The Power of Presence
Among the notable attendees were executives from prominent organizations including Fidelity Investments, PNC Bank, Eversource, and Citizens Bank. Their shared insights highlighted the multifaceted challenges and opportunities faced by businesses in today’s turbulent environment. The event opened a vital dialogue on how companies can navigate their roles in society while maintaining profitability.
A Positive Outlook on Business
A striking takeaway from the 2025 Bentley-Gallup Business in Society Report is the public’s increasing optimism about the role of business in people’s lives. This year, a notable 65% of Americans believe that businesses have a somewhat or extremely positive impact, a significant rise from the 55% who felt this way in 2022. Most participants at the event were buoyed by this statistic, representing a broadening recognition of business’s societal contributions.
However, there’s a caveat. While 87% of respondents perceive that business has the potential to improve lives, only 60% believe that this power is being wielded effectively. Trust also emerged as a concern, with only 43% of Americans expressing full confidence in business intentions. Interestingly, businesses enjoy more trust than the federal government, with 31% trusting government to act in society’s best interest.
Speaking Out on Social Issues
Another pivotal topic during the event was the role of businesses in public discourse. The survey indicated a resurgence in public support for companies to take definitive stances on societal issues. In 2025, 51% of Americans now believe that businesses should engage publicly on current events, a substantial 13-point increase from the previous year.
Executives stressed the importance of aligning such communications with core values. A clear identification of what a company stands for can guide its public engagement in a manner that resonates with both employees and customers. This is especially relevant as consumers increasingly demand authenticity and transparency from the organizations they support.
The Slow Burn of Trust in Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as both a tool of innovation and a source of apprehension. The current survey revealed that 31% of Americans now trust businesses “some” or “a lot” to use AI responsibly, marking a positive trend with an eight-point rise since 2024.
Yet, a cloud of concern lingers overhead. The majority of Americans predict that AI might lead to job losses, with approximately 75% believing it will significantly disrupt the labor market over the next decade. This genuine apprehension reveals a generalized fear of an AI-dominated future, suggesting that businesses face the dual challenge of leveraging AI’s potential while addressing public concern regarding its impact on employment.
Navigating Current Realities
The discussion among business leaders was as much about challenges as it was about narratives of hope. Economic fluctuations, societal shifts, and technological advancements impact companies daily. Understanding these elements is essential to fostering positive relationships with both the workforce and the community.
In summary, Bentley University’s event with the Massachusetts Business Roundtable has not only showcased the evolving landscape of business responsibility but has also highlighted the growing expectations of society. As executives continue to reflect on these insights, the focus remains on how businesses can effectively engage in society and navigate the complexities of the 21st century. The spirit of collaboration and discourse may just chart a course for a more engaged and responsible business future.
