Anybody can do corporate research, but to become skilled at it takes years of experience and deep knowledge about corporate practices and governance structures. Here are some of the top websites used by union researchers in their campaigns to investigate corporations violating workers' rights.

Corporate Accountability Organizations and Websites
These organizations and websites offer a distinct critique of corporate power and provide information and resources supporting their views.

Corporate Finance, Governance and Operations Research
Dig in to find out everything from company ownership, financing and executive compensation to where they have facilities, employees and pay—or don't pay—taxes.

Individuals and Insiders
How much did that CEO make? Who sold their stock before the price went down? Research the actions and incentives of specific people in corporate leadership.

Political Campaign and Nonprofit Finances
Use these resources to investigate the campaign contributions of a specific individual, or the industry and individual backing going to a specific candidate. Also, research who backs that organization running political TV ads in your community.

News
One of the best ways to keep track of what major corporations are doing is to read the news. You can search for news using some online resources. In addition to research tools already mentioned like Lexis, some of the most common free online news tools are listed below.

Legal
Court records often say a lot about company behavior. Use these resources to do research on what a corporation has been—or is being—sued for and other legal tips.