What is the purpose of this article?
Provide business leaders with a perspective on how global society is perceiving the current world.
This article highlights a few key findings from the 2023 Edelman Trust Surveys (Global and Canadian Edition). All data is global, unless otherwise noted.
You can download a PDF of this article from: Many are losing hope in our polarized and distrustful world
Fear and anxiety are increasing and hope for the future decreasing
- Only 28% of Canadians believe that their family will be better off in 5 years.
89% worry about job loss, 76% worry about climate change and 72% worry about nuclear war.
- 62% believe their country’s social fabric has grown too weak to serve as a foundation for unity and common purpose.
We live in a polarizing world, with leaders driving polarization
There is limited trust in government
- 46% of people believe government is a source of false or misleading information. Only 30% feel that way about business.
- 41% trust government leaders while 64% trust the CEO they work for.
- Only business is seen as competent and ethical. Government is seen as less competent and unethical.
Globally, 62% see the rich and powerful are dividing forces pulling people apart, and 49% feel the same way about government leaders
In the US:
- 63% of the top quartile income earners trust institutions, while only 40% in the bottom quartile trust institutions.
- Only 26% of US Republicans trust government while 61% of Democrats trust government
Few people would help, live, or work with those who strongly disagreed them.
- Only 30% would help those in need
- 20% would be willing to live in the same neighbourhood or have them as a coworker
What are your next steps?
- Discuss the implications of the above findings: for the members of your company’s ecosystem; and for your company’s long-term success.
- Survey the members of your company’s ecosystem. Compare those finding to Edelman’s findings. What are the implications of the differences?
- Identify future scenarios, some better and some worse than today. What are the implications and what actions must you take to minimize the risk of long-term company failure?
- Assess the actions and communications of your company. Are you building or destroying trust? Are you a unifying or polarizing force in society?
What further reading should you do?
2023 Edelman Trust Barometer – global report
https://www.edelman.com/trust/2023/trust-barometer
2023 Edelman Trust Barometer – Canada
Society’s trust in corporate leadership and political leadership is low
Koor and Associates 