The most—and least—trusted industries and spokespeople
Edelman’s 13th annual Trust Barometer reveals a ‘crisis in leadership’—few people believe what business leaders and government officials are saying.
The least trusted industries are financial services, banks, and media, although all three saw modest gains in trust from the previous year.
Meanwhile, business leaders and government officials remain dubious to the public.
Only 18 percent of respondents to the Edelman study trust business leaders to tell the truth, while a mere 13 percent trust government officials to do the same.
“We’re clearly experiencing a crisis in leadership,” Richard Edelman, president and CEO of Edelman PR, said in a press release.
However, the good news is that overall trust is on the rise. The trust index worldwide is up to 57 percent this year from 51 percent in 2011.
Research firm Edelman-Berland carried out the survey by questioning nearly 32,000 adults worldwide; 5,800 of them are considered “informed,” meaning they are college-educated, with household income in the top quartile for their age and country; they read or watch business/news media at least several times per week, and they follow public policy issues in the news.
Become a Ragan Insider member to read this article and all other archived content.
Sign up today
Already a member? Log in here.
Learn more about Ragan Insider.
