2020 Edelman Trust Barometer | Edelman

despite a strong global economy and near full employment, none of the four societal institutions that the study measures—government, business, NGOs and media—is trusted...

Since Edelman began measuring trust 20 years ago, it has been spurred by economic growth. ..[no longer] in developed markets, where income inequality is now the more important factor... more than half of respondents globally believe that capitalism in its current form is now doing more harm than good ...

two different trust realities. The informed public... far more trusting ... less than half of the mass population trust their institutions... Distrust ... driven by a growing sense of inequity and unfairness ... perception institutions increasingly serve the interests of the few over everyone...Government... is seen as least fair...deep-seated fears about the future.... losing their job...

only about one-third believe business does a good job of partnering with NGOs or government... Business must take the lead ... has the greatest freedom to act...

trust based on ... competence ... and ethical behavior. ... none of the four institutions is seen as both competent and ethical... ethical drivers such as integrity, dependability and purpose drive 76 percent of the trust capital of business...