The Paradox of Globalization

Toronto, Canada--A new Ipsos/canada.com poll released today shows that as the world's G-20 leaders gather in Toronto, Canada for their meeting, a global majority of consumer/citizens believe that, overall, globalization and expanded trade are good, and that investment by foreign companies is essential for growth and expansion. In fact only 39% say their government should restrict investment by foreign companies in their country even if it means fewer jobs will be created.

But, despite the benefits, a majority of global citizens believe these large or foreign corporations are more powerful than governments--and hold too much influence over their own. And only 35% think that corporate CEO's tell the truth.

As such, majorities believe their government should have complete access to the private information of corporations doing business in their country and should be more aggressive regulating activities of national/multi-national corporations. In sum, a majority think it's in their interest that their government should control `big industries' and the prices of basic foodstuffs and services in their country.

The global consumer/citizen survey conducted in May, 2010 contained interviews with 18,624 adults in 24 countries representing 75% of the world's GNP. The specific survey results reveal:

On Globalization and Trade:

• 66% believe that, overall, globalization is a good thing for the world
• 88% agree that expanding trade is a good thing

On the need for Global Corporations:

• 82% agree investment by global companies in their country is essential for growth and expansion
• Only 39% say their government should restrict investment by foreign companies in their country even if it means fewer jobs will be created

But...

On the Influence of Corporations:

• 69% believe large companies are more powerful than government
• 74% believe large corporations have too much influence on the decisions of their government
• 71% agree that foreign companies have too much control and influence over the economy in their country
• Only 35% believe CEO's of large companies can generally be trusted to tell the truth in statements about their company or industry

On the Role of their Government:

• 64% say their government should have complete access to the private information of corporations doing business in their country
• 75% believe their government should be more aggressive regulating activities of national/ multi-national corporations
• 56% think it's in their interest that their `big industries' should be controlled by their government
• 76% believe their country's government should control the prices of basic foodstuffs and services

These are the findings of the Global @dvisor Wave 9 (G@9), an Ipsos survey conducted between May 12 and May 21, 2010. The survey instrument is conducted monthly in 24 countries simultaneously around the world via the Ipsos Online Panel system. The countries reporting herein are Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Great Britain, Germany, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Poland, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Turkey and the United States of America. For the results of the survey presented herein, an international sample of 18,624 adults age 18-64 in the US and Canada, and age 16-64 in all other countries, were interviewed. Approximately 1000+ individuals participated on a country by country basis via the Ipsos Online Panel with the exception of Argentina, Belgium, Indonesia, Mexico, Poland, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Sweden and Turkey, where each have a sample approximately 500+. Weighting was then employed to balance demographics and ensure that the sample's composition reflects that of the adult population according to the most recent country Census data, and to provide results intended to approximate the sample universe. A survey with an unweighted probability sample of this size and a 100% response rate would have an estimated margin of error of +/-3.1 percentage points for a sample of 1,000 and an estimated margin of error of +/- 4.5 percentage points 19 times out of 20 per country of what the results would have been had the entire population of adults in that country had been polled. All sample surveys and polls may be subject to other sources of error, including, but not limited to coverage error, and measurement error.

For more information on this news release, please contact:
Clifford Young
SVP & Managing Director
Ipsos Public Affairs
202.420.2016
[email protected]

About Ipsos Reid

Ipsos Reid is Canada's market intelligence leader, the country's leading provider of public opinion research, and research partner for loyalty and forecasting and modelling insights. With operations in eight cities, Ipsos Reid employs more than 600 research professionals and support staff in Canada. The company has the biggest network of telephone call centres in the country, as well as the largest pre-recruited household and online panels. Ipsos Reid's marketing research and public affairs practices offer the premier suite of research vehicles in Canada, all of which provide clients with actionable and relevant information. Staffed with seasoned research consultants with extensive industry-specific backgrounds, Ipsos Reid offers syndicated information or custom solutions across key sectors of the Canadian economy, including consumer packaged goods, financial services, automotive, retail, and technology & telecommunications. Ipsos Reid is an Ipsos company, a leading global survey-based market research group.

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About Ipsos

Ipsos is a leading global survey-based market research company, owned and managed by research professionals. Ipsos helps interpret, simulate, and anticipate the needs and responses of consumers, customers, and citizens around the world.

Member companies assess market potential and interpret market trends. They develop and build brands. They help clients build long-term relationships with their customers. They test advertising and study audience responses to various media. They measure public opinion around the globe. Ipsos member companies offer expertise in advertising, customer loyalty, marketing, media, and public affairs research, as well as forecasting, modeling, and consulting. Ipsos has a full line of custom, syndicated, omnibus, panel, and online research products and services, guided by industry experts and bolstered by advanced analytics and methodologies. The company was founded in 1975 and has been publicly traded since 1999. In 2009, Ipsos generated global revenues of e943.7 million ($1.33 billion U.S.). .

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