The Business Policy Survey (BPS) is FGS Global’s quarterly survey of key business stakeholders that measures and tracks attitudes toward major public policy issues.
Methodology
Each quarter, the BPS surveys three business stakeholder audiences:
Business Decision-Makers: Individuals who make hiring, purchasing or financial investment decisions on behalf of their companies
Investors: Individuals with $100K or more in securities investments who follow news about business and financial markets closely
Employees: Individuals who work at for-profit companies with at least 1,000 employees
Findings from the Q3 BPS show that inflation continues to be the top concern among business stakeholders, and a majority believe the U.S. is currently in “recession.” Despite this, stakeholders are optimistic about the impact of the midterm elections. Results also underscore the importance of corporate social values.
Inflation concerns continue to increase
For the third quarter in a row, inflation ranks highest among priorities that stakeholders want the federal government to focus on. The proportion of stakeholders selecting inflation as a priority has grown from 36% in Q1 to 47% in Q3.
Optimism about the midterms on both sides of the aisle
Business stakeholders are optimistic about the midterm elections, regardless of party affiliation. Both sides think that they will win, and thus expect positive effects on business conditions.
Cultural values are important to stakeholders
A majority of stakeholders - 55% of employees, 58% of business decision-makers, and 54% of investors - want to work at, do business with, and invest in companies that share their social values. Business stakeholders are even more likely than consumers (40%) to say it is important that the companies they interact with share their values.