Safety in Numbers

Some sectors have to manage their reputations aggressively – Energy & Chemical, Financial, Pharmaceutical, Telecoms, Retail, Automotive & Transport, Construction, Insurance, Tobacco. One way to avoid the worst reputation problems is through safety in numbers and letting trade associations collectively manage reputation risk. When and how is collective reputation action efficient and effective?

TrustedReputation’s 2008 study of trade associations as sector reputation managers is published in Business and Politics (University of Berkeley Press). The article includes analysis of 44 qualitative interviews with the trade associations representing the UK's 24 largest business sectors, explains a model of the reputational incentives that drive the dynamic relationship between trade associations, firms and multiple stakeholder groups. The paper's empirical research coupled with the conceptual model provides five strategies for effective collective reputational action in the future.

To access the article and to learn how TrustedReputation can help your collective reputation strategy, please contact us.