International Business Machines Corporation (IBM)
Corporate Bias Rating
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Risk Level:
Summary:
International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) scored a 100 on the 2023 Corporate Equality Index (CEI) from the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), a political stakeholder group. By complying with the HRC’s controversial demands, International Business Machines Corporation (IBM), increases the risk of dividing employees, alienating customers and harming shareholders. The company covers transgender-related medical costs for its employees and their children and provides specific sexual orientation and gender identity-based benefits. It also uses sex and gender ideology criteria in employee recruitment, vendor selection, marketing, and philanthropic support. IBM forces employees to undergo multiple ideological trainings and uses its reputation, corporate funds, and political influence to support controversial sex and gender ideologies, organizations, and legislation. The company provides a benefits package for employees which covers travel/lodging costs for an abortion and transgender medical procedures for covered employees and dependents, including children. America First Legal filed a letter with the EEOC requesting a civil rights investigation into IBM over discriminatory practices in hiring. IBM matches donations to Planned Parenthood and is a corporate partner of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC). The company funds the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) and regularly uses its brand to back ideological policies. IBM is a signatory of the Business Roundtable's 2019 Statement on the Purpose of Corporation, which promotes stakeholder capitalism. The company opposed various state and local legislation intended to protect parental rights, girls’ sports, bathroom facilities, and gendered spaces. IBM signed an amicus brief in opposition to the 2016 North Carolina bathroom bill HB2, which required people to use the bathroom of their biological sex. The company is a member of the MCCA, indicating its focus on recruiting, retaining, and promoting employees based on race. For these reasons, IBM receives a High Risk rating.
Board Bias
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CEO of International Business Machines Corporation (IBM)
Arvind Krishna
Summary:
Headquartered in Armonk, New York, International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) is a member of the Fortune 250 operating in the Technology Hardware and Equipment industry. Arvind Krishna and Arvind Krishna serve as CEO/President and Chairman, respectively, leading the company’s C-suite executive team and the board of directors. Amongst these teams, the collective leadership is responsible for $1,599,025 to Republican causes and $576,073 to Democratic causes. Under their tenure, International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) currently holds a 'High Risk' risk rating.
Political Contributions of Leadership:
$1,599,025
$576,073
Republican
Democrat
Shareholder Proposals
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| Date | ESG Category | Proponent | Summary of Resolution | Mgmt Rec | Total Vote % in Favor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4/25/23 | Social | National Center for Public Policy Research | Stockholder Proposal Requesting a Public Report on Congruency in China Business Operation and ESG Activities | Against | 6.92% |
| 4/25/23 | Social | Jay Stanley Weisfeld Trust | Stockholder Proposal Requesting a Public Report on Harassment and Discrimination Prevention Efforts | Against | 32.42% |
| 4/25/23 | Social | John Chevedden | Stockholder Proposal Requesting a Public Report on Lobbying Activities | Against | 45.11% |
| 4/25/23 | Governance | John Chevedden | Public Report on Lobbying Activities | Against | 48.10% |
| 4/25/23 | Social | Jay Stanley Weisfeld Trust | Report on Harassment and Discrimination Prevention | Against | 33.10% |
| 4/25/23 | Governance | Kenneth Steiner | Independent Board Chairman | Against | 25.90% |
| 4/25/23 | Social | National Center for Public Policy Research | Report on Operations in China and ESG Activities | Against | 7.10% |
| 4/26/22 | Social | Jay Stanley Weisfeld Trust | Public Report on the Use of Concealment Clauses | Against | 64.70% |
| 4/26/22 | Governance | Kenneth Steiner | Require Independent Board Chair | Against | 39.80% |
| 4/26/22 | Governance | John Chevedden | Special Meetings - Reduce Ownership Req. to 10% | Against | 35.50% |