Reputation

The energy sector has an image problem. From domestic suppliers to international oil and gas companies, firms face an uphill struggle to be viewed in a more positive light by a wide range of their stakeholders – as issues around the environment, along with pricing concerns, shape perceptions amongst consumers, regulators, and the media.

Legislation related to transparency generally, and obesity and healthy eating in particular is looking increasingly likely to be heading this way. How can companies handle this in terms of their communications?

The Ipsos Global Reputation Centre is increasingly applying a range of behavioural science-based solutions, to more fully understand what stakeholders and the public really think and feel about brands. Understanding these nonconscious processes immeasurably improves insights-driven communications strategies and reputation management: a more complete picture of what’s going on in our audiences’ heads can give a significant edge over competitors trying to influence the same people. 

Global business influencers are prone to persistent excess of positivity around their cybersecurity and other technological capabilities. This presents a dangerous blindness to a serious threat – and demands that senior executives think again about their ability to protect their data and their reputations.

As extractive companies explore new geographies in order to satisfy growing and changing demands, the challenges to their reputation and licence to operate will become ever harder to predict. Understanding the local context, tracking emerging issues, addressing stakeholder expectations and measuring progress will be ever more vital to success. 

Trust and reputation are essential considerations for companies seeking to deliver AI technology in healthcare. It is vital to demonstrate transparency, and have meaningful engagement with the influencers that help shape public opinion, as well as the stakeholders that are instrumental in determining the regulatory response to new uses of personal data.

How can organisations in challenged sectors build reputation against a backdrop of persistent negativity?

Will the Banking & Finance Sector exit Britain post-Brexit, and what would be the consequences?

Ipsos’s latest research among MPs, Business Journalists and the General Public provides warning signals in terms of perceived likelihood of the financial sector moving from the UK to the EU, and highlights the serious consequences for any banks relocating abroad.

Open Banking may deliver the envisaged sea change in the financial services sector, but trust will be a big factor in determining who will take advantage of the opportunities.