Monday, March 08, 2010

Trust in Business Rises Globally, Driven by Jumps In U.S. and Other Western Economies


Recovery Fragile as Majority Expect a Return to “Business as Usual,” 2010 Edelman Trust Barometer Finds

--Findings show change in corporate reputation drivers--


NEW YORK – Global trust in business is up modestly but the rebound is fueled by a spike in a handful of Western countries, especially the United States where it jumped 18 points to 54 percent, according to the 2010 Edelman Trust Barometer. Trust in business remains high in three of the four BRIC countries, with Brazil, India, and China above 60 percent. The overall rise is tenuous, however, with nearly 70 percent saying business and financial companies will revert to “business as usual” after the recession. Trust in banks declined dramatically in most Western countries, plummeting 39 points (68 to 29 percent) in the U.S. and 20 points (41 to 21 percent) in the U.K. from 2007-2010*.

“Trust in business has improved, but the patient has a long road to go for a full recovery,” said Richard Edelman, president and CEO, Edelman. “The increase in trust in business belies its fragility. There is concern that short-term actions have been taken only as a result of the crisis and that government will need to remain a watchdog.

See full Press Release.