**Twitter Sways Corporate Board Decisions, New Study Finds**
(Study Finds That Twitter Influences Board Decisions)
A new research report shows Twitter discussions directly impact decisions made by corporate boards. The study reveals board members increasingly pay attention to social media chatter about their companies. This online talk influences their choices.
Researchers from a major university analyzed data from 2018 to 2023. They looked at over 500 large public companies. The team tracked Twitter activity mentioning these firms. They then compared this activity to board meeting minutes and decisions. The link was clear.
When Twitter conversation about a company surged, board discussions often followed. Executives reported monitoring Twitter sentiment regularly. Board members frequently asked management about trending topics. Negative tweets about company practices received particular attention.
The study found boards reacted to public pressure on Twitter. In several cases, boards changed policies after sustained negative tweets. Examples include environmental rules and executive pay packages. Positive Twitter buzz also mattered. Boards sometimes accelerated projects receiving strong online support.
Twitter acts like a real-time public opinion gauge for directors. Board members feel they cannot ignore loud voices online. The platform provides instant feedback, good or bad. This immediacy forces boards to respond faster than before.
(Study Finds That Twitter Influences Board Decisions)
The research involved detailed interviews with dozens of directors. Many admitted Twitter influences their perception of issues. They said it highlights concerns they might otherwise miss. However, some directors warned against overreacting to fleeting online storms. They stressed the need to balance Twitter noise with long-term strategy. The data shows boards do listen, though. Social media chatter is now a real factor in corporate governance.
