61% of respondents view business as the institution most trusted to keep pace with rapid change
The 2016 Edelman TRUST BAROMETER revealed trust in all four institutions has reached its highest level since the Great Recession, with business receiving the largest increase in trust among both the informed public and the larger general population. The 2016 Edelman Trust Barometer surveyed more than 33,000 respondents consisting of 1,150 general population respondents ages 18 and over and 500 informed public respondents in the U.S. and China and 200 informed public respondents in all other countries.
There is a growing trust disparity that has put business in a new situation of strength, a unique position that translates into an opportunity to help mend the trust divide. Richard Edelman, president and CEO of Edelman said,
We are now observing the inequality of trust around the world. This brings a number of potential consequences including the rise of populist politicians, the blocking of innovation and the onset of protectionism and nativism.
Key Findings Include:
- 61% of respondents view business as the institution most trusted to keep pace with rapid change, far more than they do government (41%) and NGOs (55%).
- Respondents are more likely to trust an employee compared to a CEO for information on treatment of employees (48% versus 19%) and information on business practices and crises (30% versus 27%).
