Blog

Why FIFA Ignores Public Opinion at its Peril

On the day Sepp Blatter started his new term as FIFA President, the organisation's reputation hit an all time low.

In the past FIFA has seemed immune from the effects of scandal, protected by its ability to increase the influence and profitability of football across the globe. But these current troubles are not created solely by recent events and their roots extend into its long history of neglecting the concerns of supporters, football associations and media.

It is the perfect illustration of how long term commercial
interests can only be truly served by honouring a social contract with other stakeholders.

Already sponsors are reacting to public opinion and threatening FIFA's future revenue. We'll see how these problems deepen in the weeks and months to come as public scrutiny increases.

Everybody's Talking At Me

What is there to add to the current super-injunction/footballer/twitter saga that hasn't been said already?

Probably nothing so I'll make this brief.

Look at this chart of traffic to twitter produced by Hitwise and blogged by BBC's Rory Cellan Jones. Then imagine your business is at the heart of the storm.

Would you have the systems in place to protect your reputation? Would you know what lasting damage it was doing to your business or brand?

If not, this should provide a wake up call to the new rules of managing corporate reputation in a digital world.

Glencore Faces Reputation Test

An article in the FT suggests newly floated Glencore faces a stiff test of its reputation in the months to come.

The article comments on how closely the media will be watching Glencore for any reputational flaws as they try to evaluate the character of this new corporate giant that, as far as they're concerned, appeared virtually overnight.

It perfectly illustrates how important it is for organisations to earn their reputation through consistent good practice over time.

This additional scrutiny has the potential to undermine Glencore's future growth, with investor confidence at risk if the media remain unconvinced.

Is Your Business City or United?

In the summer transfer window City and United will be shopping on equal terms for the first time in a generation. Both have great stadiums, supporters and players and will be competing for the most prestigious prizes.

And yet which will have to spend more? Despite their parity, most observers would expect a player to choose United if everything else is equal. City are expected to
break records in order to compete, both in transfer fees and players' wages.

United's reputation is based on its consistent success, strong leadership and worldwide respect. Why wouldn't a player choose United unless paid a small fortune to reject them in favour of an alternative, even one as good as City.

Businesses should see this as a lesson in the financial benefits of a strong reputation. UK businesses reportedly spend £2.6 billion on recruitment fees each year and feel resentful about every penny.

How much better to a have reputation that makes the best candidates seek you out. What are you doing to make employees want to get your name on their CV?