02May2011

Google tops corporate reputations, Apple up to fifth

Google has managed to oust traditional businesses to claim the top reputation among US companies, Harris said Monday. The search giant and Android maker pushed Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway down to fourth place. The study gave Google top marks for financial strength and its famously pampering work environment but also counted in the top five for the actual products, its overall vision, and its responsibility to the world.

Apple managed to build its own reputation up. The company rose to fifth place, with only Google as the other technology company in the top five. Its rise was helped both by its strong financial performance as well as the quality of its workplace.

Only Intel (sixth) and Amazon (eighth) filled out the top ten. Sony and Microsoft were at 14th and 16th but relatively close behind in absolute score.

The bottom ten wasn’t focused on technology companies and was mostly dominated by banks, many of whom were blamed for the US financial crisis, such as AIG, Goldman Sachs, and Citigroup. Oil companies like BP and ExxonMobil also occupied low positions. Cable provider Comcast was the lone exception as the 10th worst.

Harris saw the rises of Google, Apple, and others coming from their role increasingly “supporting the infrastructure” of the US and often leading to the most immediate improvements for people’s lives.