Only 34 per cent of informed publics globally trust Indian companies: Edelman Trust Barometer

The 2013 Edelman Trust Barometer has revealed that companies from China and India are trusted by only 35 per cent and 34 per cent of informed publics globally.

The Barometer found multinational companies headquartered in developed markets consistently have higher trust levels than those in emerging markets (China, India and Mexico scored lowest).

Another significant finding is that less than one in five respondents believes a business or governmental leader will actually tell the truth when confronted with a difficult issue.

“We’re clearly experiencing a crisis in leadership,” said Richard Edelman, President and CEO, Edelman. “Business and governmental leaders must change their management approach and become more inclusive by seeking the input of employees, consumers, activists and experts such as academics, and adapting to their feedback. They must also pass the test of radical transparency.”

Other key findings from the 2013 Edelman Trust Barometer include:

• Business leaders are trusted by less than 50 per cent in 16 of 26 markets, while government leaders are trusted by less than half in 21
• Technology (77 per cent) and automotive (69 per cent) were again the two most trusted industry sectors
• Germany saw the most significant increases in trust across all institutions. NGOs up 16 points, media up 19 points, business up 14 points and government up 15 points
• Argentina experienced the greatest decline in trust among all institutions.

 Earlier Edelman Trust Barometer survey findings