Employers Emerge As Most Credible on Political Information

Know those fliers that you get in the mail from every conceivable constituency with a stake in the November 6 elections telling you how to vote -- or slyly "informing" you on the issues and the candidates?

It turns out that none of them -- from political parties, corporate interests, labor unions, not-for-profit groups, religious organizations, grass-roots causes or candidates themselves -- are nearly as reliable in the eyes of the American voter than information that comes from their employers.

That's right: On the vital matter of how best to preserve, protect and forward American democracy, your employees are more willing to listen to you as the most credible potential source of information.

A new report by the Business Industry Political Action Committee, based on a survey of people at member companies of the Business Industry Political Action Committee, spells out this conclusion based on 500 responses. 

It isn't clear from the organization's news release whether they talked only with employees, with management, or both. Regardless, the conclusion makes sense. Employees certainly recognize that their employers have potential vested interest in all sorts of political outcomes, but they seem to believe that they're more likely to get the straight story even on voting issues from their employers over anyone else.

"Employees have a right to know how policy and election outcomes will affect their jobs and their lives," said Greg Casey, chief executive officer of the Committee. "Employers have a responsibility to share credible information with employees and let them make up their own minds.
 
In the survey, 37 percent said they even visit their employer or industry association's web site for political information.

"What this report tells us is that employer communication works," Casey said. So "it's imperative that employers make sure the information they are providing is credible."

We couldn't agree more. The conclusion also underscores the effectiveness of employee communications and should underscore for employers the great responsibility they have in being truthful as well as communicative with their people.