The 2006 Massachusetts Corporate Reputation Survey
Prepared by:
Conducted by:
The 2006 Massachusetts Corporate Reputation Survey
Introduction
Since 2003, Morrissey & Company and Opinion Dynamics Corporation, a national leader in
market research, polling and consulting based in Cambridge, Mass., have conducted an
annual study of the reputations of area institutions. The Massachusetts Corporate Reputation
Survey (MCRS) rates the perceptions held towards the select private and public organizations
that drive the state’s economy, based on the attributes that experts agree form the core of
reputation.
Reputation is the enduring character of an enterprise – it’s what people first think of when
they think of a specific company or organization. Smart organizations understand that a
reputation, however intangible, is a valuable asset in the marketplace.
Research has consistently shown that organizations with strong, positive reputations enjoy
more successful sales initiatives and more consistent financial performance, greater trust with
investors and partners, stronger customer satisfaction and loyalty, higher quality employees,
better publicity and deeper community relations. Organizations with well-defined
reputations are better positioned to communicate with any audience, from regulators to
shareholders, in good times and during a crisis.
We are proud to present in this report the results of the most current study. These findings
and previous survey results also can be viewed online at www.reputationsurvey.com.
Methodology
The survey was conducted by asking area business leaders to rate 74 Boston area
businesses, universities and hospitals on a variety of criteria. A total of 2,883 ratings
were gathered from 200 Boston area business executives. This year, some companies
with a large presence in Massachusetts have been rated; in the past, only Massachusettsbased businesses were included in the study.
The reputation ratings were collected and calculated using the same methods employed since
2003. Respondents used a 10-point scale to rate each institution on:
• Overall reputation
• Products and services
• Place to work
• Social responsibility
• Ethics and corporate governance
• Financial stability
Overall reputation scores were calculated for each institution included in the study. The
overall scores are based on the ratings of the six factors listed above. The highest
2006 Massachusetts Corporate Reputation Survey
Prepared by Morrissey & Company
2
possible reputation score is 100. For analytical purposes, a score of 60 or higher is
considered a superior reputation, a score between 50 and 60 is considered a very good
reputation, a score between 40 and 50 is considered good, and a score below 40 is
interpreted to mean that the institution has not established a significant reputation for
itself. Any companies that have exhibited significant changes in reputation over the past
two years are noted.
While a high reputation score means an institution has a superior reputation, a low score
does not necessarily mean an institution has an inferior reputation. In most cases, a low
score is caused by a lack of familiarity with the institution.
As part of the 2006 Massachusetts Corporate Reputation Survey, business executives also were
asked a series of questions regarding business conditions and business issues in
Massachusetts. Those results are detailed in this report.
2006 Massachusetts Corporate Reputation Survey
Prepared by Morrissey & Company
3
The 2006 Massachusetts Corporate Reputation Survey Top 40
Organization
Mean
2006
Brigham and Women's Hospital
72.711
Dunkin Donuts
71.531
Children's Hospital
71.367
Boston College
69.564
Tufts University
69.200
Boston University
69.162
Harvard University
67.811
Massachusetts General Hospital
66.805
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
65.595
Blue Cross Blue Shield of MA
65.097
University of Massachusetts
62.278
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
62.257
Staples
61.396
Home Depot USA, Inc.
60.656
Stop and Shop
60.421
Yankee Candle Co.
59.724
United Parcel Service, Inc.
59.625
Verizon New England, Inc.
59.000
Fidelity Investments
58.455
Northeastern University
57.889
Tufts/New England Medical Center
57.542
Reebok International Ltd.
57.516
Bank of America
57.324
BJ's Wholesale Club
56.111
Lahey Clinic Medical Center
55.452
Citizens Bank
53.878
Harvard Pilgrim Health Care
53.513
Friendly Ice Cream Corporation
52.447
Raytheon Co.
51.000
Shaws Supermarkets
50.813
Wal-Mart Associates, Inc.
49.233
Tufts Health Plan
48.050
Bridgewater State College
39.404
Putnam Investments
38.941
NStar
38.841
Boston Medical Center Corporation
37.588
2006 Massachusetts Corporate Reputation Survey
Prepared by Morrissey & Company
Rank
2006
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
Mean
2005
66.128
NS
67.786
65.158
67.095
69.775
71.133
65.179
60.278
63.395
54.440
58.553
63.314
NS
NS
45.647
NS
NS
49.098
64.200
51.667
45.942
NS
53.290
44.021
58.436
52.466
NS
43.571
NS
NS
52.542
51.056
32.250
32.179
48.911
Rank
2005
5
NR
3
7
4
2
1
6
11
9
14
12
10
NR
NR
25
NR
NR
21
8
18
24
NR
15
28
13
17
NR
29
NR
NR
16
19
32
33
22
Mean
2004
60.784
NS
66.486
64.489
64.523
65.824
70.609
65.102
59.387
54.050
44.696
54.651
60.245
NS
NS
55.041
NS
NS
63.170
63.434
52.020
48.750
NS
53.347
58.634
56.344
52.757
NS
48.342
NS
NS
52.182
40.737
31.143
38.846
42.119
4
Rank
2004
9
NR
2
6
5
3
1
4
11
18
29
16
10
NR
NR
15
NR
NR
8
7
24
26
NR
19
12
14
20
NR
27
NR
NR
23
32
38
34
31
Boston Scientific Corp.
37.176
State Street
37.000
Fallon Community Health Plan
36.622
TJX Companies
35.756
2006 Massachusetts Corporate Reputation Survey
Prepared by Morrissey & Company
37
38
39
40
29.514
45.561
45.571
32.750
36
27
26
31
40.389
50.489
35.581
33.821
5
33
25
35
37
Executive Summary
Reputation Ratings
Brigham and Women’s Hospital receives the highest reputation rating list this year, after
being ranked 5th in 2005. The second highest reputation rating goes to Dunkin Donuts;
this is the first time the company has been included in the MCRS. Harvard University,
which ranked first in the three previous studies, has fallen to 7th place. It has been a
tough year for Harvard, and it appears area executives have noticed.
As has been the case with the past studies, non-profits dominate the top ten rated
organizations. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts and Dunkin Donuts are the only
top ten companies that are not hospitals (Brigham and Women’s, Children’s Hospital,
Mass General) or educational institutions (Boston College, Tufts, Boston University,
Harvard University and MIT).
Six of the top ten for-profit companies are new to the MCRS this year, including Dunkin
Donuts, Home Depot, Stop and Shop, United Parcel Service (UPS), Verizon New
England and Bank of America. Returning companies in the top ten for-profits include
Staples, Yankee Candle Co., Fidelity Investments and Reebok.
Boston College is first on the list of the top rated colleges and universities, followed by
Tufts University, Boston University, Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute
of Technology (MIT).
The five top rated hospitals include (in order) Brigham and Women’s Hospital,
Children’s Hospital, Massachusetts General Hospital, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical
Center and Tufts/New England Medical Center.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts (BCBSMA) is the top rated HMO, followed by
Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, Tufts Health Plan and Fallon Community Health Plan.
Among financial institutions, Fidelity Investments is ranked the highest, followed by
Bank of America, Citizens Bank, Putnam Investments and State Street Bank.
Technology companies are still relatively unknown to area executives, with the exception
of Raytheon, which has a very good reputation rating.
Biotechnology firms are recognized even less, and do not have significant reputation
ratings.
2006 Massachusetts Corporate Reputation Survey
Prepared by Morrissey & Company
6
Boston Business Climate
About two-thirds choose the phrases “world class” or “up and coming” to describe
Boston’s reputation as a business center. Most agree the state’s strongest asset is a welleducated workforce, and the large number of excellent colleges and universities.
About one-half of area executives say a major barrier to employment in Boston is the
high cost of living, while about one-quarter say it is the high cost of doing business.
High taxes are considered to be the largest impetus for relocating a business outside the
state, followed by housing costs and overhead. A majority agree that issues with the Big
Dig are affecting Boston’s business climate. About half say the state’s population will
continue to decline, and two-thirds say they would not invest in residential real estate in
the Greater Boston area.
2006 Massachusetts Corporate Reputation Survey
Prepared by Morrissey & Company
7
Summary of Findings
Reputation Ratings: Top Ten Overall
As mentioned earlier, 74 Massachusetts institutions were rated by 200 area business
executives on six different attributes: reputation, products and services, place to work,
degree of social responsibility, ethics and corporate governance, and financial
stability. A ten-point scale was used to rate each of these aspects for each institution.
Institutions were rotated so that each executive rated a random selection of institutions,
producing a total of 2,883 ratings. The scores of overall reputation were given a weight
of five, while the other six scores were given a weight of one, producing a possible high
rating of 100. Respondents who had not heard of a specific institution were not asked to
give ratings for it. If a respondent had heard of an institution, but could not offer a rating
on any particular attribute, a score of zero was assigned to that particular attribute.
All of the top ten companies are given a superior rating. As has been the case in past
studies, non-profits dominate the top ten. Brigham and Women’s Hospital receives its
highest reputation score of 72.7, up from 66.1 in 2005, 60.8 in 2004, and 45.0 in 2003.
Dunkin’ Donuts, which is included in the MCRS for the first time this year, debuts at
71.5. Children’s Hospital receives a superior rating of 71.4, up from 67.8 in 2005, 66.5
in 2004, and 53.4 in 2003. Boston College receives a rating of 69.6, which is up from
previous ratings (65.2 in 2005, 64.5 in 2004, and 65.1 in 2003). Tufts University has a
rating of 69.2 this year, up 2.1 points from last year (67.1), 4.7 points from 2004 (64.5)
and 12.3 points from its initial rating in 2003 (56.9).
Top Ten Overall (1-5)
72.7
66.1
Brigham and Women’s Hospital
60.8
45.0
71.5
Dunkin’ Donuts
2006
2005
71.4
67.8
Children’s Hospital
2004
66.5
53.4
2003
69.6
65.2
64.5
65.1
Boston College
69.2
67.1
64.5
Tufts University
56.9
0.0
2006 Massachusetts Corporate Reputation Survey
Prepared by Morrissey & Company
20.0
40.0
60.0
80.0
100.0
8
Reputation Ratings: Top Ten Overall (continued)
Boston University has a rating of 69.2, which is down slightly from last year’s score of
69.8, but is still an improvement on past ratings (65.8 in 2004 and 57.2 in 2003). Harvard
University receives its lowest reputation rating to date with 67.8 (compared to 71.1 last
year and 70.6 in 2004); this year’s rating is more in line with the score of 68.2 recorded in
2003. Massachusetts General Hospital is given a reputation rating of 66.8, which is an
improvement over past ratings (65.2 in 2005, 65.1 in 2004, and 60.9 in 2003).
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has a rating of 65.6, which is an
improvement on all ratings in the past three studies (60.3 in 2005, 59.4 in 2004, and 61.1
in 2003). The final company in the top ten is Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts
(BCBSMA), which receives a rating of 65.1; this rating is up from 63.4 last year, 54.0 in
2004, and 59.6 in 2003.
Top Ten Overall (6-10)
69.2
69.8
Boston University
65.8
57.2
67.8
71.1
Harvard University
2006
70.6
68.2
2005
66.8
65.2
65.1
Mass. General Hospital
2004
60.9
2003
65.6
60.3
59.4
MIT
61.1
65.1
63.4
BCBSMA
54.0
59.6
0.0
20.0
2006 Massachusetts Corporate Reputation Survey
Prepared by Morrissey & Company
40.0
60.0
80.0
100.0
9
Reputation Ratings: Top Ten Non-profit Organizations
As we have seen in past studies, non-profits enjoy better reputations than for-profit
organizations. All but one of the overall top ten organizations are non-profit, therefore
most of the overall top ten appear in the top ten list of non-profits. Brigham and
Women’s Hospital is the first on the list, with a superior score of 72.7. Children’s
Hospital is second with a score of 71.4, followed by Boston College with 69.6. Tufts
University and Boston University both have a rating of 69.2.
Top Ten Non-Profit Organizations (1-5)
72.7
66.1
Brigham and Women’s Hospital
60.8
45.0
71.4
67.8
Children’s Hospital
53.4
66.5
69.6
65.2
64.5
65.1
Boston College
2006
2005
69.2
67.1
64.5
Tufts University
56.9
2004
2003
69.2
69.8
Boston University
65.8
57.2
0.0
2006 Massachusetts Corporate Reputation Survey
Prepared by Morrissey & Company
20.0
40.0
60.0
80.0
100.0
10
Reputation Ratings: Top Ten Non-profit Organizations (continued)
Harvard University has a superior rating of 67.8; this is its lowest score to date (71.1 in
2005, 70.6 in 2004, and 68.2 in 2003). Massachusetts General Hospital has a reputation
rating of 66.8, continuing its ascent from 65.2 last year, 65.1 in 2004 and 60.9 in 2003.
MIT receives its highest rating to date with 65.6, after having consistent ratings in the last
three studies (60.3 in 2005, 59.4 in 2004, and 61.1 in 2003). Blue Cross Blue Shield of
Massachusetts is given a score of 65.1; this is also an all-time high for the HMO. The
University of Massachusetts has a superior rating of 62.3; in past studies, the reputation
of UMass was measured by looking at three different branches (Amherst, Boston and
Lowell); this year, the entire university system is being rated as a whole, therefore the
results from the past three studies are not comparable to the current MCRS.
Top Ten Non-Profit Organizations (6-10)
67.8
Harvard University
71.1
70.6
68.2
66.8
65.2
65.1
60.9
Mass. General Hospital
65.6
60.3
59.4
61.1
MIT
2006
2005
65.1
63.4
BCBSMA
2004
54.1
59.6
2003
62.3
University of Massachusetts
0.0
2006 Massachusetts Corporate Reputation Survey
Prepared by Morrissey & Company
20.0
40.0
60.0
80.0
100.0
11
Reputation Ratings: Top Ten For-profit Organizations
Many for-profit companies were added to the list this year, and therefore do not have any
previous scores to compare to. Staples, Yankee Candle Company, Fidelity Investments
and Reebok are the only for-profit companies in the top ten that have been tracked in the
last three studies.
Dunkin Donuts is the number one for-profit company on the list, with a superior rating of
71.5. Staples, is given a rating of 61.4; this is down slightly from 63.3 last year, but is
still an improvement on the 60.2 recorded in 2004 and its initial rating of 54.8 in 2003.
Home Depot is given a rating of 60.7, while Stop and Shop has a rating of 60.4.
Yankee Candle Company has an all-time high of 59.7 (compared to 45.6 in 2005, 55.0 in
2004, and 45.8 in 2003). This rating is considered very good, and falls short of being
superior by a negligible .03 points.
Top Ten For-Profit Organizations (1-5)
Dunkin’ Donuts
71.5
61.4
63.3
Staples
60.2
54.8
60.7
Home Depot USA, Inc.
2006
2005
60.4
Stop and Shop
2004
2003
59.7
45.6
Yankee Candle Co.
55.0
45.8
0.0
2006 Massachusetts Corporate Reputation Survey
Prepared by Morrissey & Company
20.0
40.0
60.0
80.0
100.0
12
Reputation Ratings: Top Ten For-profit Organizations (continued)
United Parcel Service (UPS) appears on the list for the first time with a very good rating
of 59.6, while Verizon has a rating of 59.0.
Fidelity Investments has a reputation rating of 58.5; though this is down from the scores
recorded in 2003 and 2004 (63.3 and 63.2, respectively), it is still an improvement on last
year’s score of 49.1. Reebok is given a very good rating of 57.5, which is a notable
improvement on ratings given in the last two studies (45.9 in 2005 and 48.8 in 2004), yet
still fails to top the rating of 58.9 given in 2003.
Bank of America is given a very good rating of 57.3.
Top Ten For-Profit Organization (6-10)
UPS
59.6
Verizon
59.0
58.5
49.1
Fidelity Investments
2006
63.2
63.3
2005
57.5
2004
45.9
48.8
Reebok
2003
58.9
57.3
Bank of America
0.0
2006 Massachusetts Corporate Reputation Survey
Prepared by Morrissey & Company
20.0
40.0
60.0
80.0
100.0
13
Reputation Ratings: Top Five Colleges and Universities
Boston College tops the list of colleges and universities with a superior rating of 69.6; the
college was given a rating of 65.2 last year, 64.5 in 2004, and 65.1 in 2003. Tufts
University has a reputation rating of 69.2, which continues an upward trend in reputation
throughout the years (56.9 in 2003, 64.5 in 2004, and 67.1 in 2005). Boston University is
given a score of 69.2, which is on par with the rating given last year (69.8); BU was
given a score of 65.8 in 2004 and 57.2 in 2003.
Harvard University receives an all-time low (yet still superior) rating of 67.8; it was
given a reputation rating of 71.1 in 2005, 70.6 in 2004, and 68.2 in 2003. MIT receives
its highest reputation rating of 65.6, compared to 61.1 in 2003, 59.4 in 2004, and 60.3 last
year.
Top Five Colleges & Universities
69.6
65.2
Boston College
64.5
65.1
69.2
67.1
Tufts University
2006
64.5
56.9
2005
69.2
69.8
65.8
Boston University
2004
57.2
2003
67.8
71.1
70.6
Harvard University
68.2
65.6
60.3
59.4
61.1
MIT
0.0
2006 Massachusetts Corporate Reputation Survey
Prepared by Morrissey & Company
20.0
40.0
60.0
80.0
100.0
14
Reputation Ratings: Top Three Hospitals
Brigham and Women’s Hospital tops the list for the first time with a superior rating of
72.7; this is a large improvement on its initial good rating of 45.0 in 2003. Children’s
Hospital also receives its highest reputation rating of 71.4, compared to 53.4 in 2003,
66.5 in 2004, and 67.8 in 2005.
Massachusetts General Hospital has a reputation rating of 66.8, which is the highest score
it has received to date (65.2 in 2005, 65.1 in 2004, and 60.9 in 2003). Beth Israel
Deaconess Medical Center is given a superior rating of 62.3, compared to 58.6 in 2005,
54.7 in 2004, and 41.5 in 2003.
Tufts/New England Medical Center is given a very good reputation rating of 57.5, which
is an improvement on all past ratings (51.7 in 2005, 52.0 in 2004, and 52.9 in 2003).
Top Five Hospitals
72.7
66.1
Brigham and Women’s Hospital
60.8
45.0
71.4
67.8
Children’s Hospital
2006
66.5
53.4
2005
66.8
65.2
65.1
Mass. General Hospital
2004
60.9
2003
62.3
58.6
54.7
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
41.5
57.5
51.7
52.0
52.9
Tufts/New England Medical Center
0.0
2006 Massachusetts Corporate Reputation Survey
Prepared by Morrissey & Company
20.0
40.0
60.0
80.0
100.0
15
Reputation Ratings: Top Four HMOs
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts has an all-time high rating of 65.1, compared to
63.4 in 2005, 54.1 in 2004, and 59.6 in 2003.
Harvard Pilgrim Health Care is second with a very good rating of 53.5; this is in line with
the ratings given to the HMO in the past three studies (52.5 in 2005, 52.8 in 2004, and
53.5 in 2003).
With a good rating of 48.1, Tufts Health Plan’s rating continues to decline; the HMO was
given a very good rating of 52.5 in 2005, 52.2 in 2004, and a rating of 59.7 in 2003.
Fallon Community Health Plan is the lowest rated HMO, with a score of 36.6, meaning it
has yet to establish a significant reputation. Fallon’s ratings have fluctuated in the last
three studies; in 2005 it was given a good rating of 45.6, a rating of 35.6 in 2004, and a
good rating of 41.1 in 2003.
Top Four HMOs
65.1
63.4
BCBSMA
54.1
59.6
53.5
2006
52.5
Harvard Pilgrim Health Care
52.8
2005
53.5
2004
48.1
2003
52.5
Tufts Health Plan
52.2
59.7
36.6
45.6
Fallon Community Health Plan
35.6
41.1
0.0
2006 Massachusetts Corporate Reputation Survey
Prepared by Morrissey & Company
20.0
40.0
60.0
80.0
100.0
16
Reputation Ratings: Top Five Financial Institutions
Fidelity Investments is given a very good reputation rating of 58.5, which is almost a tenpoint increase on last year’s score of 49.1, but still somewhat lower than the ratings the
company received in 2003 (63.3) and 2004 (63.2).
Bank of America, which makes its debut on the list this year, is given a very good rating
of 57.3. Citizens Bank is given a rating of 53.9, compared to 58.4 in 2005, 56.3 in 2004
and 46.5 in 2003.
Putnam Investments receives an all-time high of 38.9; it was given a rating of 32.3 in
2005, 31.1 in 2004, and 34.9 in 2003. On the other hand, State Street Bank has an alltime low of 37.0, down from 45.6 last year, 50.5 in 2004 and 40.3 in 2003.
Top Five Financial Institutions
58.5
49.1
Fidelity Investments
63.2
63.3
57.3
Bank of America
2006
2005
53.9
58.4
56.3
Citizens Bank
2004
46.5
2003
38.9
32.3
31.1
Putnam Investments
34.9
37.0
45.6
State Street Bank
50.5
40.3
0.0
2006 Massachusetts Corporate Reputation Survey
Prepared by Morrissey & Company
20.0
40.0
60.0
80.0
100.0
17
Reputation Ratings: Top Four Technology Companies
Raytheon receives its highest reputation rating this year at a very good 51.0; in 2005 it
was given a rating of 43.6, a rating of 48.3 in 2004 and a rating of 33.4 in 2003. LoJack
Corp. has a rating of 34.5, which is down from 37.8 last year and 44.6 in 2004.
EMC Corporation has a rating of 27.8, down from 30.9 in 2005, 31.1 in 2004, and 35.1 in
2003. Analog Devices is still unknown to most area executives with a rating of 25.9; this
is its highest rating to date (23.7 in 2005, 19.3 in 2004 and 20.6 in 2003).
Top Four Technology
51.0
43.6
Raytheon Co.
48.3
33.4
34.5
2006
37.8
LoJack Corp.
44.6
2005
2004
27.8
2003
30.9
EMC Corp.
31.1
35.1
25.9
23.7
Analog Devices
19.3
20.6
0.0
2006 Massachusetts Corporate Reputation Survey
Prepared by Morrissey & Company
20.0
40.0
60.0
80.0
100.0
18
Reputation Ratings: Top Four Biotech
None of the top four biotech firms are well-known to area executives. Boston Scientific
is the most recognized with a rating of 37.2; this in an improvement on last year’s rating
of 29.5, but fails to reach the 40.4 received in 2004. Boston Scientific was given a rating
of 26.8 in 2003.
Genzyme Corporation, which was omitted from the list in 2005 and 2004, receives a
rating of 28.1 this year—an improvement on the 19.1 recorded in 2003.
Hologic and Palomar Medical Technologies are still largely unknown to area executives,
with ratings of 8.9 and 2.6, respectively.
Top Four Biotech
37.2
29.5
Boston Scientific Corp.
40.4
26.8
28.1
2006
Genzyme Corp.
2005
19.1
2004
8.9
2003
8.8
Hologic
7.1
2.6
Palomar Medical Technologies
7.6
0.0
2006 Massachusetts Corporate Reputation Survey
Prepared by Morrissey & Company
20.0
40.0
60.0
80.0
100.0
19
Boston’s Reputation as a Business Center
Most area executives think Boston has a positive reputation as a business center. Thirtythree percent of area executives say Boston has a world class reputation as a business
center, while 27% describe it as up and coming. A little over one-quarter (26%) have
something negative to say; 9% describe Boston as past its prime as a business center,
while 17% say it is in need of an overhaul. Fourteen percent are not sure how to describe
Boston’s reputation as a business center.
Please choose the phrase that best describes
Boston’s current reputation as a business
center:
33%
World Class
27%
Up and coming
Past its prime
In need of an overhaul
(Not sure)
2006 Massachusetts Corporate Reputation Survey
Prepared by Morrissey & Company
9%
17%
14%
20
Barriers to Employment
Area executives point to high costs as being the major barrier to employment in Boston.
Almost one-half (48%) say the high cost of living in the city is the major barrier to
employment in the city, while 26% say it is the high cost of doing business. Seven
percent say the major barrier is the loss of young educated workers to other states, and
6% say politics get in the way of growth.
A recent Wall Street Journal article said the
employment outlook for Boston is poor. What do
you see as the major barriers to employment
here?
High cost of living
48%
High cost of doing business
26
Loss of young educated workers to other states
7
Politics get in the way of growth
6
Lost reputation for innovation
1
Weather
1
(Other)
2
(Not sure)
8
2006 Massachusetts Corporate Reputation Survey
Prepared by Morrissey & Company
21
Business with Offshore or International Companies
Almost one-fifth (18%) of area executives say their business with offshore or
international companies has increased, 3% say it has decreased, while 14% say it has
remained the same. Over half (58%) say their organizations do not conduct any business
with offshore or international companies.
Over the last five years, has your business with
offshore/international companies increased,
decreased or remained the same?
Decreased
3%
Remained the
same
14%
Increased
18%
Not sure
6%
2006 Massachusetts Corporate Reputation Survey
Prepared by Morrissey & Company
Do not do
business with
offshore/interna
tional
companies
58%
22
The Epicenter for Business
Just one-quarter of area executives think downtown Boston will be the business epicenter
of the area in five years. About one-third (34%) of area executives say the area in
between 128 and 495 will be the epicenter for business in the next five years, while
almost one-quarter (24%) say the epicenter will be downtown Boston. The same
percentages (12%) choose either inside 128 (near suburbs), or outside 495.
What area of Boston, or in the Greater Boston
area, do you think will be the epicenter for
business in five years?
34%
In between 128 and 495
24%
Downtown
Near suburbs, inside 128
12%
Outside 495
12%
Other Boston neighborhood
(Not sure)
2006 Massachusetts Corporate Reputation Survey
Prepared by Morrissey & Company
1%
17%
23
Real Estate Investments
Two-thirds (66%) of area executives say they would not buy residential real estate in the
Greater Boston area as an investment or opportunity. Thirty-two percent say they would,
while 2% are not sure.
Would you buy residential real estate in the
Greater Boston area right now as an investment
or opportunity?
Yes
32%
Not sure
2%
No
66%
2006 Massachusetts Corporate Reputation Survey
Prepared by Morrissey & Company
24
Population Decline
A little over one-half (54%) say the state’s population will continue to decline, while
30% say it will not. Fifteen percent are not sure.
Do you think Massachusetts’ population will
continue to decline?
Yes
54%
Not sure
15%
No
30%
2006 Massachusetts Corporate Reputation Survey
Prepared by Morrissey & Company
25
Responsibility for the Big Dig
Area executives were asked to choose who is most responsible for the problems with the
Big Dig from the following list: Matt Amorello, Mitt Romney, previous governors and
administrations, contractors, or a combination of all of these. Almost three-quarters
(71%) say it is a combination, while 11% blame contractors. Five percent point to Matt
Amorello, while 4% say it is previous governors and administrations. One percent say
the blame lies with Mitt Romney, and 8% are not sure.
Who is most responsible for the problems with
the Big Dig:
Matt Amorello
5%
Mitt Romney
1
Previous governors and administrations
4
Contractors
11
Combination
71
(Not sure)
2006 Massachusetts Corporate Reputation Survey
Prepared by Morrissey & Company
8
26
The Big Dig’s Effect on the Business Climate
Fifty-eight percent agree that problems with the Big Dig are affecting the business
climate in Boston. Over one-quarter (28%) say it is not having an effect, while 12% are
not sure.
Are the problems with the Big Dig affecting the
business climate in Boston?
Yes
58%
Not sure
12%
No
28%
2006 Massachusetts Corporate Reputation Survey
Prepared by Morrissey & Company
27
Greater Boston’s Strongest Assets
Almost one-half (48%) of executives say Greater Boston’s strongest asset as a
community from a business standpoint is the number of excellent higher education
institutions in the area. Twenty-three percent say the well-educated workforce is the
strongest asset, while 12% say it is a strong financial services sector.
What are Greater Boston’s strongest assets as a
community from a business standpoint:
Many excellent higher education institutions
48%
Well-educated workforce
23
Excellent health care facilities
12
A strong financial services sector
6
Excellent political leadership
2
(Not sure)
2006 Massachusetts Corporate Reputation Survey
Prepared by Morrissey & Company
10
28
Important Reasons for Relocating
Forty-two percent say high taxes are the most important reason for most businesses to
consider relocating out of Massachusetts, while 26% say it is high housing costs.
Another 26% say the most important reason is high overhead costs.
What do you think would be the most important
reason for most businesses to consider
relocating out of Massachusetts?
42%
High taxes
High housing costs
26%
High overhead costs
26%
Poorly trained workers
(Not sure)
2006 Massachusetts Corporate Reputation Survey
Prepared by Morrissey & Company
2%
4%
29
Future Growth of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Companies
Forty-three percent of area executives say the inferior science and math education in the
United States will have a negative effect on the future growth of biotechnology and
pharmaceutical companies in Massachusetts. Thirty percent say it will have no effect,
while 4% say the effect will be positive. About one-fifth (22%) are not sure what kind of
effect this will have on future growth in these sectors.
Science and math education in the U.S. lags behind other countries such as India and China.
How will this affect the future growth of
biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies in
Massachusetts?
Negatively
43%
No effect
30%
Not sure
22%
Positively
4%
2006 Massachusetts Corporate Reputation Survey
Prepared by Morrissey & Company
30
The Shift in Congress
Thirty-eight percent say the shift in Congress from a Republican to Democratic majority
will help the state’s economy, while 20% say it will hurt the state’s economy. Almost
one-third (29%) say it will have no effect, and 12% are not sure.
Will the shift in Congress from a Republican to
Democratic majority help the state’s economy,
hurt the state’s economy, or will it have no
effect?
Help state
economy
38%
Hurt state
economy
20%
Not sure
12%
No effect
29%
2006 Massachusetts Corporate Reputation Survey
Prepared by Morrissey & Company
31