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Consumers remain loyal to brands that speak out—even if they don’t agree

by | Oct 15, 2018 | Public Relations

Corporate values are on trial every day, with calls for brands to take a stand on everything from racism to immigrant rights to the MeToo movement—and determining when to stay silent and when to act has become key to a brand’s reputation.

In a new report, PR and reputation management firm FleishmanHillard examines consumer sentiment and provides companies with guidance for navigating the current issues-laden environment—and reveals that even if consumers disagree with you, you can still keep their loyalty with the right actions.

Consumers remain loyal to brands that speak out—even if they don’t agree

“Knowing when to speak up requires a real examination of how your values relate to today’s issues,” said Kristin Hollins, FleishmanHillard’s corporate reputation practice group lead for the Americas, in a news release. “Our research found that you can maintain loyalty from consumers who might disagree with your position, as long as you explain why you’re doing what you’re doing and how it relates to your company values.”

The study, Navigating Zero Gravity, surveyed 1,000 engaged consumers in the United States spanning four generations—Millennials, Gen X, Boomers and the Silent Generation. Those surveyed came from a variety of political, racial and sexual orientations and were probed on 51 current issues spanning cultural, economic, political and societal interests.

Consumers remain loyal to brands that speak out—even if they don’t agree

Select insights include:

Taking a stand and explaining your position will take you far

  • 66 percent of U.S. consumers surveyed have stopped using the products and services of a company because the company’s response to an issue does not support their personal views.
  • However, if a company can explain why it has taken a particular position, 43 percent of consumers said they are extremely or very likely to continue to support them, even if they disagree with the position.
  • And 61 percent surveyed said that even if they disagree with a company’s position, they believe it is important for companies to express their views. Amongst just U.S. millennials, that number increases to 75 percent.

Consumers remain loyal to brands that speak out—even if they don’t agree

Be aware, consumers can smell self-interest

  • 90 percent of those surveyed said companies often/sometimes take advantage of issues for their own benefit. As a result, 55 percent of engaged consumers felt less favorable towards the company. Companies must stake positions that are an extension of their values and reflect what their organization is willing to commit to address over time.
  • This is especially true of women and Boomers. 61 percent of women felt less favorable when they perceived a company was taking advantage of issues for their own benefit. 74% of Boomers and 76 percent of the Silent Generation felt less favorable. This data shows that taking a stand, or claiming a new position, needs to be in service of a larger purpose.
  • The key is active listening and communicating. 79 percent of consumers indicate a high likelihood to continue using products/services from companies who are anticipating the culture, social or economic impact of their products and services, and are actively evaluating and communicating changes in policies and evolving company values.

Consumers remain loyal to brands that speak out—even if they don’t agree

Not every issue of importance to consumers carries with it expectations for companies to take a stand

The top 10 issues consumers feel are important—and have expectations of companies to act on—are:

Consumers remain loyal to brands that speak out—even if they don’t agree

“It’s critical for organizations to have a firm grasp on the issues that matter most to its stakeholders, and understand how those issues intersect with its own values and business,” Hollins said. “While it’s impossible to please everyone, it is possible to understand your audiences and their point of view. Companies will benefit from doing their research early and often, knowing this zeitgeist isn’t shifting anytime soon.”

FleishmanHillard’s Authentic Insights study was conducted by its TRUE Global Intelligence practice, and is a starting point for modern issues management and corporate leadership positions that help companies stand apart for their values.

Read the full report here.

Consumers remain loyal to brands that speak out—even if they don’t agree

FleishmanHillard TRUE Global Intelligence collected responses in July 2018. The margin of error is estimated at +/- 3%, given the size of the sample and the relative size of the population.

Richard Carufel
Richard Carufel is editor of Bulldog Reporter and the Daily ’Dog, one of the web’s leading sources of PR and marketing communications news and opinions. He has been reporting on the PR and communications industry for over 17 years, and has interviewed hundreds of journalists and PR industry leaders. Reach him at richard.carufel@bulldogreporter.com; @BulldogReporter

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