Should executives comment on politics? Former General Electric chief executive Jack Welch caused a storm this month when he in effect accused the Obama administration of manipulating official employment numbers. Last week, Justin King, CEO of retailer J Sainsbury, attacked the UK government's proposal for new staff to surrender employment rights in exchange for company shares. Is it a good idea for executives to speak publicly about political issues? The executive: Adrian Beecroft I absolutely think that business leaders should comment on political issues. Executives should not be afraid to put their heads above the parapet just because some parts of the press choose to shoot the messenger. There is an interface between politics and business, and if business leaders spoke out more often, politicians" decisions would be better informed. Businessmen will always argue for policies that benefit companies but it is up to politicians to weigh that against the needs of society. Unions are rightly not shy of speaking up and businesses should similarly not be afraid to fight their corner. The writer is chairman of Dawn Capital and recently conducted a UK government-commissioned review on employment rights The business voice: Laurence Parisot It's not just a good idea, it's an imperative. Now, more than ever, business needs advocates. This means executives need to do more to explain themselves in the public arena. That way society can understand exactly what businesses need to generate growth and competitiveness. Inevitably that means getting political, even though the consequences can be ugly. It probably comes as no surprise for me to say this. But as a French chief executive and president of Medef and someone who knows perfectly well the multiple interactions between public opinion, business and politics, I believe this is the new reality of international commerce. Business is political now. The writer is president of Medef and chief executive of Ifop The academic: Roger Martin It depends on whether or not you want to be a regular public voice. If you comment in a one-off fashion, your remarks will be dismissed. Unless you are an established public voice, it will be seen as opportunistic and even amateurish. If you have something to say, do it in private. But if you are willing to become an enduring voice on topics about which you have experience and credibility, then comment away. Such voices are invaluable to public debate. In the US, Vanguard founder Jack Bogle, who speaks on a variety of investment-related regulatory issues, is an exemplar. His voice is valuable and valued. The writer is dean of the Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto The public relations professional: Ed Bridges Election fever is ramping up and politicians are seeking to ally themselves to influencers in the business community. While it is flattering to be approached, the heady mixture of personal endorsements and party politics can wreak havoc in your business if not mixed with great care. Personal politics and the views of your business can be like mixing oil and water. Should you wish to indulge your personal passion for politics, there are three rules of engagement: first, think about the context of what you are saying - your views may be replayed to a hostile audience in a party's effort to swing the vote. Second, be consistent - switching allegiance may be good for one political party but can damage your reputation. Last, if moving into controversial territory, make the point that these are your own personal views, not your company's. The writer is a senior managing director in the strategic communications practice of FTI Consulting