London,
18
September
2019
|
09:47
Europe/London

CIPR view on ‘Trust’ report; PR professionals can build trust in technology

The ethics of technology are a genuine public concern, according to a report by Ipsos MORI - ‘Trust TheTruth’.

The research, which reveals the public's view on technology and automation, shows scientists are the most trusted professionals in the world (60% trustworthiness) followed by doctors (56%) and teachers (52%).

Whilst the public are generally positive about the prospect of technology and automation improving lives (76%), there is concern that technological progress is “destroying lives” (50%). The report recommends considering “the ethics of using these technologies”.

The report concludes that “trust does not appear to be in terminal decline but is often lower than half a century ago”. This is particularly true of business, with trust more stable over the last 20 years and not “in constant freefall around the world as some people may assume”.

Politicians are globally considered the most untrustworthy professionals. Two-thirds of the public consider politicians to be untrustworthy (67%) and more than half say the same about Government Ministers (57%).

CIPR President, Emma Leech Found.Chart.PR FCIPR
This report should act as a call to action for the public relations profession. The public are anxious about the profound changes that will be driven by automation and AI. As this increases, there will be a public demand for human expertise to have a role in protecting the consumer.

Trust and reputation are fragile. Encouragingly, and contrary to popular narrative, the conclusion in this report is that we are not experiencing a crisis of trust - rather, trends show trustworthiness in professions and institutions evolves. Public relations professionals, as strategic experts with a moral compass, have a greater role to play at this time of increased scrutiny to strengthen, build and rebuild trust.
CIPR President, Emma Leech Found.Chart.PR FCIPR
 
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About the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR)

Founded in 1948, the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) is the Royal Chartered professional body for public relations practitioners in the UK and overseas. The CIPR is the largest membership organisation for PR practitioners outside of North America. By size of turnover and number of individually registered members, we are the leading representative body for the PR profession and industry in Europe.

The CIPR advances professionalism in public relations by making its members accountable to their employers and the public through a code of conduct and searchable public register, setting standards through training, qualifications, awards and the production of best practice and skills guidance, facilitating Continuing Professional Development (CPD), and awarding Chartered Public Relations Practitioner status (Chart.PR).