Directors Of Large Companies 'Paid Too Much'

Most people do not think directors of large companies in the UK can be trusted to tell the truth, and three-quarters believe they are paid too much, according to new research by MORI.

The survey, commissioned by Business Today on BBC News 24, shows two-thirds (65%) disagree with the statement 'Directors of large companies can be trusted to tell the truth', with one in six (17%) agreeing. Younger people are more likely to trust directors than older people.

Three-quarters (75%) feel directors of large companies are paid too much for the job they do. Again, it is older people who are more likely to think this.

People are more likely to believe that companies cannot be trusted to honour their pension scheme, with more than two in five (44%) thinking this, compared with a third (34%) who think companies can be trusted on pensions.

A similar percentage agree and disagree on whether accountants can be trusted to ensure companies report their financial figures honestly, with more than a third (37%) agreeing and two in five (39%) disagreeing.

Technical details

MORI interviewed a representative quota sample of 2,072 adults aged 15+ in Great Britain. Interviewing was conducted across 188 sampling points, face-to-face and in-home, using CAPI (Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing). Data have been weighted to the known profile of the British population. The survey was conducted between 31st October -- 4th November 2002.

Topline Results

• Topline results based on 2,072 interviews among a representative weighted sample of the GB adult population (aged 15+ years)
• Face-to-face interviews conducted 31st October -- 4th November 2002
• All figures are percentages (where percentages do not total 100, this is due to rounding or to multiple-coded questions)

I would like to read some statements about business and companies. Please tell me to what extent you agree or disagree with each statement

Directors of large companies can be trusted to tell the truth

Directors of large companies are paid too much for the job they do

Companies can be trusted to honour their pension commitments to employees

Accountants can be trusted to ensure that companies report their financial figures honestly