The risks of being an activist CEO

When Indiana Gov. Mike Pence signed the now-infamous "religious freedom" law and a backlash ensued, it's probably not surprising that Apple CEO Tim Cook, who recently came out as gay, penned a column in favor of gay rights that was published in the Washington Post.
 
Cook isn't the only business leader to voice concern over the controversial law, nor is he the first high-profile CEO to express his personal opinion on social topics, reports Marketplace.
 
While speaking out on social issues might make them feel better, does activism have a negative effect on their company's bottom line? The report notes that CEOs of publicly held companies are tasked with making money for shareholders, something that social activism could hamper. So why get involved? According to the report, because CEOs are people, too, and besides, they get permission from the board before saying anything, anyway.

Read more from Marketplace.