From: bizjournals.com

As the economy improves, more Americans have a positive view of big business, but they’re still more likely to trust small business.

That’s according to a survey conducted by the Public Affairs Council, a trade association for public affairs professionals. The survey found that 69 percent of Americans have a very or somewhat favorable opinion of large corporations, up 9 percentage points from a year ago. But 91 percent look favorably on small businesses.

Plus, even some folks who look favorably on big businesses don’t trust them to act ethically. The survey found that 47 percent say that have little or no trust in major corporations when it comes to ethics.

The telephone survey of 1,609 adults nationwide also found that businesses in some industries are viewed more favorably than others. Technology companies, retailers and manufacturers are trusted the most, while health insurers, pharmaceutical companies, banks and energy companies are trusted the least. This matters when it comes to public policy, because Americans are more likely to want more regulation of industries they trust less.

Overall, the public gives good marks to big businesses for providing useful products and services, and serving their customers well. But they say corporations aren’t doing enough to create jobs, and they think big businesses pay their top executives too much and their rank-and-file employees too little.

Personal experience has a much bigger impact on Americans’ opinions about corporations than social media, the survey found.

Meanwhile, before politicians bash business, they should consider this: Government’s favorability ratings are far below those of businesses. Only 45 percent of Americans have a favorable opinion of the federal government, and 60 percent have a favorable view of state government.

Most Americans also think businesses should speak out on public issues, ranging from racial and gender discrimination to climate change. One exception is gay marriage — although most Americans believe same-sex couples should have the same rights as heterosexual married couples, 65 percent think corporations should stay out of the debate over gay marriage.

Americans also are uncomfortable with corporate lobbying — 50 percent said they’d feel less favorable about a company that hires lobbyists. But most support lobbying for to protect jobs, open new markets, create a level playing field., reduce business costs or even to secure government funding or grants.

They’re also OK with independent groups such as super PACs playing a role in politics, but most say they’d look unfavorably on a corporation that directly paid for ads supporting a candidate.