Campaigning groups could be key to winning the loyalty of consumers, and especially Millennials (those aged 18-24).
This is because NGOs are more trusted than business, government, or the media to operate in the best interests of society, and 18-24 year olds, out of all age groups, trust NGOs the most.
This chart below, supplied by SIGWATCH's partner, the insights and strategy consultancy GlobeScan, shows that NGOs enjoy a ‘net trust’ of nearly 40% amongst Millennials when polled in 2017. This means, 40% more Millennials trust NGOs than do not trust them. By comparison, only 18% more Millennials trust global businesses more than they do not trust them. Their trust of the media and government is even lower.
NGOs are not only highly trusted by Millennials; although trust in all institutions declines significantly with age, all age groups except the over-65s trust NGOs far more than global companies. The elderly trust national companies slightly more than NGOs, and governments more than global companies (but both are trusted more than the media).
This tells us that NGOs could be crucial to companies seeking to win the loyalty of the next generation of consumers, especially for global businesses which appear to be struggling to communicate trustworthiness from these findings.
Young people’s high trust in NGOs as an important and effective force for good points tothe value of corporate engagement with NGOs and the issues they tackle. We know from their extensive use of social media that NGOs are investing heavily to engage with younger consumers, and this new data indicates that they are being rewarded by a strong alignment of consumers’ views with those of NGOs. Campaigners are thus shaping the young’s future beliefs and values.
Companies who want to appeal to the next generation need to harness the essential optimism of the younger generation, by recognizing and aligning with the ideas they believe in. NGOs are the bridge to engaging with this demographic, particularly on social and environmental issues. To make this work, companies need to understand what creates NGO endorsement of corporate actions, what drives their sentiments, and how to effectively endorse and engage with NGOs’ concerns.
By being visible and consistent in their efforts to partner and co-operate with NGOs and NGO priorities, business will be able to demonstrate authentic values and attract Millennials consumers, and their parents too.
This article was originally posted on the SIGWATCH website. Please visit the Library section to find the article in its original PDF format.
Comments