Corporate Profits Not a Dirty Word for the Majority of Americans

PRINCETON, N.J., June 22, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- A new ORC International survey continues to find that Americans have historically been in favor of letting Corporate America make all the profit they can. 

Today, almost two-thirds (65%) of US adults say companies should be allowed to make all the profit can.   ORC International's CARAVAN® omnibus survey updated a question first asked 1946 and last asked in 1976. Historically, a majority of Americans have generally been supportive of unlimited corporate profits since the question was first asked in 1946 (when 61% of Americans agreed) with the exception of 1975 and 1976 when support for unlimited corporate profit fell to 36% and 39% respectively.

The 1975 and 1976 findings stand out as an anomaly in the historical data from ORC's archives. Speculation was that a cap on profits would help ensure the money was returned back into the economy and not put into the pockets of corporate bonuses/salaries. Historically, ORC's polling has found low levels of support for government limits in the years following a recession when profits would be on the rise.  For instance, in 1955 support for limits was only at 28% and in polling done in other post-recession years – including 2012 – support for limits is relatively low:  1962: 25%, 1971: 33% and 2012: 30%.

**Poll conducted using ORC International's CARAVAN® service from June 9-10, 2012 The poll interviewed 1005 US Adults by telephone.  Prior polls cited conducted using a variety of methodologies consistent with best practices during their respective time periods.

About ORC International
ORC International is a leading global research firm with offices across the U.S., Europe and Asia Pacific. We offer a platform of Integrated Intelligence that combines traditional and forward-thinking methodologies, technology, industry expertise, and skilled research professional to provide clients with the most comprehensive foundation for providing actionable insight to solve their most pressing business challenges worldwide. The Company's CARAVAN survey is the longest running omnibus survey in the U.S. The Company has been a partner of CNN on the CNN|ORC International poll since 2006 and founding member of CASRO. For more, please visit www.ORCInternational.com.

ORC International Contact:
Christina Hungspruke
Senior Director, Corporate Marketing
Phone: 609.452.5419
E-mail: [email protected]        

SOURCE ORC International