Anti-Corporate Bias

PERSUASION STRATEGIES Anti-Corporate Bias Where does Corporate America stand today in terms of public perception, and how does this impact individual corporate defendants? Persuasion Strategies conducted its own national survey of juries and judges to identify seven conclusions that take the guesswork out of jury selection. Jurors versus Judges on Ethics and Law When personal ethics and law conflict, which should you follow? 11% 33% 89% 67% Jurors Say Judges Say Personal Ethics Judges Say the Law Jurors Say the Law Personal Ethics Public (Mis)Perceptions of Corporations Business Executive Mistrust Executives often try to cover up the harm they do Business executives share my values 87% Agree 70% Agree Corporate Mistrust 3 4 If a company can benefit financially by lying, it probably will Corporations should be held to a higher standard of responsibility than individuals are 85% Agree 77% Agree Government Mistrust Government favors large corpor ations more than ordinary Americans Government needs to police corporations more 83% Agree 75% Agree Trust of the Individual over the Corporation 7. Utah Note Utah jurors rank among the most technologically savvy in the country, with over 76 percent using personal computers on a regular basis. If someone sues a company, the case must have merit 72% Agree Utah Note Utah Note Utah jurors have a higher than average sense of personal responsibility, notable technical sophistication, enhanced emphasis on the ethical elements of parties' conduct over and above the legal aspects of the case, and a heightened role for the family and familial-type relationships in all aspects of society. Salt Lake City jurors are conservative in awarding damages. They are extremely family-oriented and value commitment to family, tradition and group goals. Although typified by strong religious conservatism, evidence of unethical business practices is not more offensive in this venue than in others across the country. How to avoid the anti-corporate bias pitfalls: Before Litigation: In the Courtroom: • Let the public hear from your • Plan early to differentiate executives your company • Make social responsibility count Stay abreast of public perceptions of industry • Exceed governmental regulations Treat every internal communication as an external communication Prepare your witnesses as if the entire case depends on their depositions • Communicate remorse appropriately Source: Persuasion Strategies National Surveys PERSUASION STRATEGIES™ http://www.persuasionstrategies.com/ A Service of Holland & Hart