Trust in Technology Businesses Up

American businesses and the technology sector in general moved up in an annual survey of consumer trust for institutions by Edelman Public Relations.
Americans reported an 18 point jump in trust for business over last year’s study. While 54 percent of Americans trust businesses in general, 71 percent say they trust international businesses with headquarters in the U.S. American businesses improved their reputations overseas as well. Technology companies do particularly well, with 78% of U.S. respondents holding tech firms in high regard.
According to Edelman, many factors may have contributed to the jump in trust, including better stock prices and a willingness by companies to listen to stakeholders, treat their employees better, and “play a role in societal change.” On the downside, nearly 70 percent of respondents expect companies to go back to their old ways as soon as the economy improves.