2023 Corporate Benefit of the Doubt Report

*This blog post has been updated since its original 2023 publication

The State of Benefit of the Doubt

When a crisis strikes, do stakeholders believe you will make it right, or assume the worst? That instinctive reaction is the essence of Benefit of the Doubt, and fewer companies are earning it.

RepTrak’s Benefit of the Doubt Report uncovers how forgiving the public really is when promises go unfulfilled. Our reputation intelligence platform acts like a global listening post, capturing millions of voices across surveys, media, and social channels. The result is a real-time picture of how much room companies still have to stumble, recover, and rebuild credibility.

Fill out the form to see how your company can protect its reputation, safeguard credibility, and strengthen resilience before the next crisis hits.

Earning the Benefit of the Doubt: A Corporate Guide

Why Benefit of the Doubt Matters

Benefit of the Doubt is not just another measure of reputation. It tells you if stakeholders are willing to forgive mistakes, wait for recovery, and trust that your actions will match your words. Companies that earn it move forward quickly after disruption. Companies that lose it face sharper criticism, faster skepticism, and reputational scars that last longer.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Benefit of the Doubt Report

How does RepTrak measure the Benefit of the Doubt?

RepTrak collects real survey data from stakeholders across the globe to understand how the informed public thinks, feels, and acts toward companies. Benefit of the Doubt is measured as part of our Business Outcomes suite, reflecting willingness to give companies grace in the face of a crisis.

What is the difference between Benefit of the Doubt and reputation?

The difference often comes down to track record. The report finds that companies already known for fairness, transparency, and delivering real value are more likely to regain support when setbacks occur.

Does the industry you operate in affect how much leeway you get?

Yes, and often more than companies expect. Industry benchmarking in the report shows how one company’s crisis can ripple outward, eroding confidence across competitors and entire sectors.

How can organizations strengthen their position before the next disruption?

The 2023 Benefit of the Doubt Report provides data and benchmarks to help leaders spot vulnerabilities, reinforce credibility, and build reputational reserves in advance. This preparation ensures companies are better equipped when a crisis inevitably strikes.

RepTrak for Corporate Leaders

RepTrak helps companies around the world measure and manage reputation in near real time. Benefit of the Doubt is one of several outcomes we monitor, alongside trust, ESG, and reputation drivers. With RepTrak Compass™, leaders can see where they stand, track how perceptions are shifting, and act before reputational problems turn into full-scale crises.

Ready to Earn the Benefit of the Doubt?

Stakeholders have shorter patience today than ever before. Companies that invest in ethical behavior, transparency, and strong communication now will be the ones that earn support when it counts.

Fill out the form to download the full Benefit of the Doubt Report and learn how to make resilience part of your reputation strategy. Download the Benefit of the Doubt Report