January 2007 - Volume 2, Issue 1

Global Survey Reveals Consumer and Corporate Top Concerns Differ

Consumers and corporate executives worldwide may not be sitting in the same board room when it comes to prioritizing business concerns.

According to the results from Burson-Marsteller's first-ever Global Issues Index, there is a noticeable gap between consumer worries and corporate business concerns. With results released in December 2006, the Global Issues Index is a survey that tracks the importance of more than 100 issues on a worldwide basis.

The results show consumers are most worried about those things that personally affect them and their families, including food, safety and health issues. Businesses are more concerned about how to apply new technology to their existing business models.

Although business leaders and the general public share some concerns, there were notable differences within their top priorities.

Top Priorities
General Public	Business Leaders
Cost of healthcare (77%)	Cost of technology (55%)
Food safety (75%)	Affordability of technology to stay ahead of competition (53%)
Energy (75%)	Ability of hackers to break into company systems (53%)
Identity Theft (76%)	Cost of energy and impact on profit (53%)

"As we look at these issues, we think the opportunity exists for companies to step up and take on some of the basic issues – world hunger, accessible healthcare, protecting privacy and security – while also satisfying their core objectives," said Ame Wadler, Chief Strategic Officer, Burson-Marsteller.

The Global Issues Index was established to help business leaders stay ahead of emerging issues while better connecting businesses to the concerns of the publics they serve. Burson-Marsteller will be publishing a "Top 10" list, and will have special briefings, the full list and demographic information and strategic issues analysis available to its clients on a subscription basis.

For more information on the Global Issues Index or to obtain a full results report, please contact Ame Wadler, Chief Strategic Officer, Burson-Marsteller at ame.wadler@bm.com.

About imPRessions
imPRessions is an e-newsletter distributed periodically by Burson-Marsteller's Chicago office to provide perspective on topical issues that affect communications decision-making in an increasingly dynamic business environment.