In today's age, the __________ have a lot of say in how well companies perform via technology and social media.

The correct answer is that the general public holds significant influence over how well companies perform, particularly through the use of technology and social media. In the current landscape, the general public can easily voice their opinions, share experiences, and rate products or services on various platforms. This creates a powerful feedback loop where positive or negative perceptions can quickly affect a company’s reputation and ultimately its financial performance.

With the rise of social media, consumer reviews and public sentiment can spread rapidly, impacting a company's brand image and consumer trust in a matter of hours. Companies increasingly rely on this feedback to adjust their strategies, improving customer service, product offerings, and marketing campaigns to align with public expectations. This dynamic illustrates how the general public, as a key stakeholder, is central to a company's success in the digital age.

Employees, shareholders, and executive leaders also play important roles in a company's performance but do not have the same broad influence through technology and social media as the general public. Employees may contribute internally to the company's success, shareholders have financial stakes that can affect decision-making, and executive leaders are responsible for strategic direction. However, it is the general public that often has the most immediate impact through public sentiment and communication across social platforms.