In an increasingly volatile global landscape, the role and responsibilities of professional services firms are shifting. These firms are not only expected to provide top-notch services to their clients but they’re also being prompted to voice their position on pressing societal issues.
As highlighted by a notable incident during a pan-European excursion experienced by a non-Hungarian student, the concept of national borders remains a strong, though sometimes invisible, dividing force. While her Hungarian companions comfortably crossed into Slovakia via a border crossing explicitly designed for their nationality, she found herself left behind, impeded by an official boundary meant to compartmentalize people and societies.
This localization is not so different from the professional services sector, where large multinational firms operate across these barriers seemingly with ease while their clients face unique geopolitical hurdles. Similar to the student’s stark encounter with invisible divisions, clients are increasingly facing these barriers – those drawn by nationality, laws, and regional politics. Hence, a call for these firms to step up and take a stance on these global dilemmas.
Law.com article goes on to question if professional services firms should utilize their global presence to participate in global conversations and advocate for their clients’ interests.
While the path towards increased societal participation isn’t clear for these firms, their increasing intersection with these issues means that a decision on whether to raise a voice in the world’s affairs is not only appropriate, but increasingly necessary.