Do you trust in God but not governments and businesses?
If so, you personify the findings of Edelman's 2012 Trust Barometer. Watch Chrystia Freeland talk to Richard Edelman about the current erosion of confidence in the workplace and governments:
Respondents in 25 countries indicate trust in government have declined with nine percent and that Brazil is the country where confidence in elected officials have fallen most.
Not surprisingly the debt ceiling debacle in the US, bailouts in the European Union, corruption in Brazil and India as well as the nuclear disaster in Japan are the main reasons behind the mistrust. And it's interesting to note that Westerners have lower faith in their governments than citizens of the developing world.
Half the public distrust companies
Businesses need to be regulated according to half the participants in the survery. And they are of the opinion that governments are not doing enough to rein in immoral companies. A high number of people would also like their authorities to increase consumer protection and ensure ethical corporate behaviour. It comes as no surprise that banks and financial institutions are least trusted.
Trust in social media on the rise
Traditional media and online search engines are still the most trusted sources of news and information but social media including blogs, networking sites and content sharing sites showed the biggest increase in trust this year. Surprising, considering the amount of incorrect information circulating on such forums.
Do you agree with the findings of the 2012 Trust Barometer and what Richard Edelman had to say? Have we lost confidence in authority figures? How can they build trust again and manage their reputations?There is now an opportunity for governments and businesses to lead in ways that earn trust. How would you like to see that done? Can they convince the citizens of the world that they are not about self interest but taking their responsibilities in society? Do you agree with Richard Eberman that confidence in governments and businesses will start rising again this year?
Video: ReutersTV
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Tags: Brazil, Chrystia Freeland, corruption, Edelman 2012 Trust Barometer, European Union, India, Japan US, nuclear disaster, Richard Edelman, US debt ceiling debacle
February 13th, 2012 at 00:31
Hi Catarina,
The latest polls and news in my country indicates we trust the government less and some businesses. This was reinforced when our reserve bank held interest rates but the big four banks increased the rates. The government said all the expected but will not do anything.
I think until governments actually show results for citizens then the lack of trust will continue. Talk is one thing but we need real actions to occur.
My recent post Get Real Growth In Business
February 13th, 2012 at 06:23
Governments and business have to find a better game then old reliable steal, lie and get reelected, it no longer works. Evolve or go the way of the dinosaurs. That would seem to be Gods plan.
February 13th, 2012 at 10:59
Seems you agree with the findings of the report Michael.
February 13th, 2012 at 11:00
Yes Susan, that confirms the findings of the Trust Barometer, doesn't it.
February 14th, 2012 at 01:47
Hi Catarina,
It's no surprise at all that people are losing confidence with the government and businesses. With the Internet, news can travel really fast whereas before it could be hidden by not being published on newspapers.
Losing trust is easy. Gaining it back is very hard. The government needs to make a huge promise to its people…and deliver. An organization specializing in regulating companies would definitely help.
My recent post How Do You Sell Online?
February 14th, 2012 at 01:48
Hi Catarina,
The video isn't playing but I do agree that trust in the government is on the decline. In my parent's generation people respected the government and the government officials. Even in my childhood I remember always calling the president by his title: President Reagan, for example. In recent years the presidents are rarely called by their title, often by their first name or even middle initial. It's definitely a sign of the times.
Stacy
My recent post How Meditation Improved My Life in About 30 Days
February 14th, 2012 at 07:31
The governments and authority figures have my deep respect for their responsibilities but I can never put complete trust into a fellow imperfect man, as I do God.
February 14th, 2012 at 08:27
Personally, I would go for both sides. Both are has an important role in our industry. God is our guide and government and businesses has their own roles to keep it good in god's eyes.
My recent post חינוך
February 14th, 2012 at 11:40
Yes Alan, it's true that governments need to make huge promised and deliver to re-gain trust.
February 14th, 2012 at 11:40
Good points Stacy. Sorry the video didn't work on your computer. It does on mine.
February 14th, 2012 at 11:41
That's one way of looking at it Barnett.
February 14th, 2012 at 11:42
Interesting Mika. How can governments and businesses in your opinion do what God would like them to do?
February 14th, 2012 at 14:31
It seems to me that there's been a general breakdown of honest, and therefore trust, in society – something that had been worsening for some time. It's not just CEOs and Politicians – their high profiles make them easier targets – but throughout society. At the other end of the scale, look at the London "Riots" last summer. Those taking part came from a wide range of socio-economic groups, and did so because they thought it was OK to get something for free. Then look at what the "rich and famous" in sport and entertainment get up to, and get away with…
The rot runs a lot deeper than just politicians and CEOs, I'm afraid, and we need to start having leaders in all spheres setting the example…
February 14th, 2012 at 17:07
Good points that I agree with Guy.
February 14th, 2012 at 17:52
Hi Catarina,
It's strange that no commenter so far has even mentioned God. He is the one you can implicitly trust to do the best thing for you. Governments and businesses are made up of people, so they have varying degrees of trustworthiness. As entities, neither businesses or government gets my trust, but I do trust people in business and government, some more, some less, some not at all. Sometimes, I just say, "It's not my job to figure out who I can trust at Ford Motors or the Canadian government, and I use my time some other way. I suppose it depends on what your path in life is as to whether you have to make a lot of these kind of decisions.
Lou
My recent post Over the River and Through the Woods
February 14th, 2012 at 18:00
Seems you more or less personify the findings of the trust baromter, Lou.
February 15th, 2012 at 06:22
Another thought provoking post, Catarina! I've never placed complete faith in governments or businesses. Nor will I ever. These days, governments and corporations are one and the same. They're two sides of the same coin. They work hand-in-glove and in a co-depedent manner — at the expense of we-the-people.
That said, I don't blame governments or corporations. These entities are, after all, expressions of human consciousness as it stands today. We-the-people are too busy (either trying to survive or trying to get ahead) to pay attention to the powers that be. Which leads to apathy and disinterest. Which breeds corruption.
When will it change?
When we-the-people change.
My recent post I Could Eat A Horse
February 15th, 2012 at 06:31
Hi Catarina! Thank you for the reply. God is my ultimate guide in everything i do. Thou we all suffer different types of crisis, I believe that God has purpose on everything that happens.
My recent post SMS
February 15th, 2012 at 10:30
Thank you for sharing your philosophy, Mika. Glad it works for you.
February 15th, 2012 at 10:32
In other words you agree with the findings of the trust barometer, Srinivas. Do you, like Richard Edelman, believe trust will increase from now on?
February 15th, 2012 at 18:47
Hey Catarina,
It's great to return on your blog..great posts you have and this one makes no exception.
The trust in government and political figures is a major issue whole around the world..The government is declared guilty by corruption, working with criminals, thefts and many more things.
But let's not forget where those people who represent the government came from..Oh, it's not an enigma..From the society of course. The thing is to accept responsability first for what happens in our mind, heart and life so to speak and after that look at the ohers..The most effective way to change these situations that people hate and judge is to change ourselves, the way we do business etc..leadership by example that's the key..Like it or not the government is the mirror that reflects the consciousness of society./indivduals.if it stinks, don't blame the mirror for displaying such poor quality stuff
Thanks for sharing this interesting topic.
Best,
Radu
My recent post Blog Content Ideas: 40 Simple Ways To Never Run Dry
February 15th, 2012 at 19:24
Thank you Radu. Agree with you to some degree but, don't forget that corruption varies from country to country. It's for instance much worse in Romania than Scandinavia. Honestly believe a major problem is that people in the West cannot be bothered to go and vote, less than 50% in Scandinavia for instance. So individuals who should be booted our are re-elected and keep on being untrustworthy.
February 15th, 2012 at 22:01
I completely agree with the report. It is at an all-time low. Take Nigeria for example, at the beginning of the year there was a massive protest nationwide about the abrupt increase in petroleum products and the whole nation was ‘mad’ wondering why the govt needs moe money when there is nothing to show for the ones already in their kitten.
They also believe that businesses are being used by the govt to oppress the poor.
Trust is low and people find solace in social media where they find people with similar interest.
February 16th, 2012 at 11:04
OK Tosin, so you agree with the findings of the trust barometer.
February 16th, 2012 at 16:08
Great argument…..I think that we should consider that Governments are just people, and just like any company, family or organization you will find the corrupt, the non-corrupt and the ones in between who cannot make or afford to voice an opinion. I personally believe as always the top leadership in Government will determine the culture and certain strategic positions within that Government, in particular where fiscal and economic policies are concerned, will determine how the citizens perceive the Government and decide that it is safe to trust or not. This remains an influenced society, and it will take 60 seconds to be influenced negatively….MUCH longer than that to regain positivity and regain trust. I think that Governments can regain trust with a targeted strategic plan and showing that Governance starts with them first,govern yourself first, and after that the masses!
February 16th, 2012 at 16:36
Let's see, Anne, if governments will adopt strategic plans, show that they are improving and gain trust again?
February 16th, 2012 at 21:11
Catarina, It's very difficult to trust in our government completely. Too many lawmakers benefit from their business connections which I believe influences their actions. Honestly, I'm not optimistic about trust in either government or businesses improving in the near future.
My recent post Marketer vs Marketing: What Difference Does a Keyword Make?
February 16th, 2012 at 21:59
Unfortunately, in the U.S. congressmen rank lower than used car salesmen and that is saying something. Unfortunately, between now and the election for President in November there will be very little governing and mostly politics where the goal is destroy your opponents by character assassination. Unfortunately, highly qualified people who could become outstanding leaders in government do not want to subject themselves to this so we are losing the very people we need to lead our country.
My recent post How to Write An Email Using the Best Words in the Subject Line
February 16th, 2012 at 22:12
It's all about people now. Each one counts. What do they say? What do they want? PIPA and SOPA led many Americans to a new understanding of their elected officials and their loyalties. Time Warner threatened Congress reminding them to remember where their contributions come from. Traditional media, owned by big corporate entities, refuses to be objective. No wonder people have more faith in blogs and social media than ever before.
My recent post Simple SEO for Small Businesses
February 17th, 2012 at 04:28
Hi Catarina,
It is hard to believe in our government when it is clear that some are not acting in the best interests of the citizens. I believe that some run for elected office with the best of intentions, but once they are elected they are corrupted by those in power. It is also hard to have faith in businesses when they do not demonstrate loyalty to their employees and let them go after 20 or 30 years of service. I think trust in the US government will rise when we see lawmakers from both parties cooperate and act according to the citizens wishes.
My recent post Time Management Is Part of Personal Development Too
February 17th, 2012 at 18:57
Good points Jamella. You seem to agree with the findings of the Trust Barometer.
February 17th, 2012 at 18:58
True Sherryl. So you don't agree with Richard Edel man that trust will start increasing from now on.
February 17th, 2012 at 19:01
Jeannette, that congressmen are rank lower than used carsalesmen, says a lot. What you say about politics in the US unfortunately applies to Europe as well. And as you say, the people needed to lead countries are as a result not interested. Which makes trust go even lower and is actually bad for democracy:-)
February 17th, 2012 at 19:06
That it's all about people now, would be an interesting development Catherine.But it may also be dangerous since when trust in society breaks down society cease to function. And then people just do whatever they feel like, loothing, robbing or whatever. Trusting everything you read in blogs and on social media is also not such a good idea since there is a lot of incorrect information out there.
February 20th, 2012 at 03:52
Hi Catarina, it may interest you to know that we, as a company, trust in God. All our employees work on the principles of 'Love for God, fear of sin and morality in society'. It is possible for a SME like our with 250+ employees. Wonder if it is possible for larger businesses! Also, unlike conventional CEOs, our boss is more like a mentor (Guru) who reinforces our trust with his Gandhian way. Wonder if top executives are ready to play that role!
February 20th, 2012 at 11:33
Interesting example of how to run a company Purnachandra. Maybe the world would be a better place if all businesses were run like the one you work for?