LONDON (AP) — EMBARGOED UNTIL 8 PM ET, JANUARY 3. 15/0100 GMT (1am GMT) JAN. sixteen
People around the world are more pessimistic about their economic prospects. than ever before, and they trust businesses far more than other institutions such as governments, non-profit organizations and the media in an increasingly divided world, according to a survey by the public relations firm Edelman.
Released Sunday night to coincide with the World Economic Forum’s meeting of business elites and government leaders this week in Davos, Switzerland, the online survey conducted in 28 countries shows fewer people believe their family will be better off in five years.
Those who believe they will be better off fell to 40% from 50% last year and hit record lows in 24 countries. That’s because 89% fear losing their job, 74% worry about inflation76% are concerned about climate change and 72% worry about nuclear war.
The Edelman Trust Barometer also says that 62% of respondents believe businesses are competent and ethical, compared to 59% of non-governmental agencies, 51% of governments and 50% of the media. communication. That was blamed on how companies treated workers during the COVID-19 pandemic and returned to offices, as well as many companies vowing to get out of Russia. after he invaded Ukraine.
People still said they mistrusted CEOs, as well as government leaders and journalists, while trusting their own corporate executives, coworkers, and neighbors. Scientists were the most confident: 76% of respondents.
“The increased level of trust in business brings with it higher expectations than ever for CEOs to be a leading voice on social issues,” said Richard Edelman, Edelman’s CEO. “By a margin of six to one, those surveyed want greater social participation from companies on issues such as climate change, economic inequality and the retraining of the workforce.”
But companies face a lot of controversy jumping into such issues, with 52% saying companies cannot avoid becoming politicized when tackling divisive social issues, he said.
Despite the uncertainty, people want companies to advocate for them: 63% say they buy or advocate for brands based on their beliefs and values.
Most respondents say companies should be doing more, not less, to tackle climate change, economic inequality and other issues.
This occurs when social divisions have entrenched, creating a polarized world. that has left people feeling unable to overcome their differences or even willing to help others who don’t share their beliefs, the survey says.
Less than a third of those surveyed said they would help, live or work with someone who disagreed with their views. Six countries (Argentina, Colombia, the US, South Africa, Spain, and Sweden) were listed as severely polarized, driven by mistrust in government and a lack of shared identity.
If divisions are not addressed, people fear the result will be worsening prejudice and discrimination, slower economic development and violence on the streets, according to the report.
More than 40% of those surveyed believe that governments and companies should work together to solve social problems, with the responsibility of uniting people in the most trusted institution, companies.
The majority of those surveyed, 64%, said that companies that support politicians and consensus-building media would help increase civility and strengthen society.
In its 23rd year, the Edelman Trust Barometer surveyed more than 32,000 people online in 28 countries, from Argentina to Saudi Arabia and the US, from November 1-28.
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