Do you trust in God but not governments and businesses?
Sunday, February 12th, 2012If 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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