massachusetts corporate reputation survey (mcrs) - 2006

8/8/2019 Massachusetts Corporate Reputation Survey (MCRS) - 2006

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The 2006 Massachusetts CorporateReputation Survey

Prepared by:

Conducted by:


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The 2006 Massachusetts Corporate Reputation Survey

Introduction

Reputation is the enduring character of an enterprise its 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 moreconsistent financial performance, greater trust with investors andpartners, stronger customer satisfaction and loyalty, higher qualityemployees, better publicity and deeper community relations.Organizations with well-defined reputations are better positioned tocommunicate with any audience, from regulators to shareholders, in

good times and during a crisis.

Since 2003, Morrissey & Company and Opinion Dynamics Corporationhave conducted an annual study of the reputations of area institutions.The Massachusetts Corporate Reputation Survey (MCRS) rates theperceptions held toward the select private and public organizationsthat drive the states economy, based on the attributes that expertsagree form the core of reputation.

We are proud to present in this report the results of the most currentstudy. These findings and previous survey results also can be viewed

online at www.reputationsurvey.com.

Methodology

For the past four years, Opinion Dynamics a national leader in market research,polling and consulting based in Cambridge, Mass., conducted an annualstudy of the reputations of area institutions; the most current study was completed this

Decemberby telephone on behalf of Morrissey & Company.

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 ratingswere gathered from 200 Boston area business executives. This year, some companieswith a large presence in Massachusetts have been rated; in the past, only Massachusetts-

based businesses were included in the study.

The reputation ratings were collected and calculated using the samemethods employed since 2003. Respondents used a 10-point scale torate each institution on:

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http://www.reputationsurvey.com/http://www.reputationsurvey.com/


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Overall reputation

Products and services

Place to work

Social responsibility

Ethics and corporate governance

And, financial stability

As was the case in the prior studies, business executives were asked to rate companies onthe following six factors:

Reputation

Products and services

Place to work

Degree of social responsibility

Ethics and corporate governance

Financial stability

Overall reputation scores were calculated for each institution included in the study. Theoverall scores are based on the ratings of the six factors listed above. The highest

possible reputation score is 100. For analytical purposes, a score of 60 or higher is

considered asuperiorreputation, a score between 50 and 60 is considered a very good

reputation, a score between 40 and 50 is consideredgood, 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 pasttwo years are noted.

While a high reputation score means an institution has asuperiorreputation, a low scoredoes not necessarily mean an institution has an inferiorreputation. In most cases, a low

score is caused by a lack of familiarity with the institution.

Respondents were also asked a series of questions regarding the business climate inMassachusetts.

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Executive Summary

Reputation Ratings

Brigham and Womens 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 Womens, Childrens 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 DunkinDonuts, Home Depot, Stop and Shop, United Parcel Service (UPS), Verizon New

England and Bank of America. Returning companies in the top ten for-profits includeStaples, 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 Instituteof Technology (MIT).

The five top rated hospitals include (in order) Brigham and Womens Hospital,Childrens 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 exceptionof Raytheon, which has a very goodreputation rating.

Biotechnology firms are recognized even less, and do not have significant reputationratings.

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Boston Business Climate

About two-thirds choose the phrases world class or up and coming to describeBostons reputation as a business center. Most agree the states strongest asset is a well-

educated 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 thestate, followed by housing costs and overhead. A majority agree that issues with the Big

Dig are affecting Bostons business climate. About half say the states population will

continue to decline, and two-thirds say they would not invest in residential real estate in

the Greater Boston area.

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Summary of Findings

Reputation Ratings: Top Ten Overall

As mentioned earlier, 74 Massachusetts institutions were rated by 200 area businessexecutives on six different attributes: reputation, products and services, place to work,

degree of social responsibility, ethics and corporate governance, and financialstability. 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 togive 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 asuperiorrating. As has been the case in paststudies, non-profits dominate the top ten. Brigham and Womens 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. Childrens Hospital receives asuperiorrating 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 arating 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).

56.9

64.5

67.1

69.2

65.1

64.5

65.2

69.6

53.4

66.5

67.8

71.4

71.5

45.0

60.8

66.1

72.7

0.0 20.0 40.0 60.0 80.0 100.0

2006

2005

2004

2003

Top Ten Overall (1-5)

Brigham and Womens Hospital

Dunkin Donuts

Childrens Hospital

Boston College

Tufts University

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Reputation Ratings: Top Ten Overall (continued)

Boston University has a rating of 69.2, which is downslightly from last years score of69.8, 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 years rating is more in line with the score of 68.2 recorded in2003. 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 in2004, and 59.6 in 2003.

59.6

54.0

63.4

65.1

61.1

59.4

60.365.6

60.9

65.1

65.2

66.8

68.2

70.6

71.1

67.8

57.2

65.8

69.8

69.2

0.0 20.0 40.0 60.0 80.0 100.0

2006

2005

2004

2003

Top Ten Overall (6-10)

Boston University

Harvard University

Mass. General Hospital

MIT

BCBSMA

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Reputation Ratings: Top Ten Non-profit Organizations

As we have seen in past studies, non-profits enjoy better reputations than for-profitorganizations. 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

Womens Hospital is the first on the list, with asuperiorscore of 72.7. ChildrensHospital 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)

57.2

65.8

69.8

69.2

56.9

64.5

67.1

69.2

65.164.565.2

69.6

53.466.5

67.8

71.4

45.060.8

66.1

72.7

0.0 20.0 40.0 60.0 80.0 100.0

2006

2005

2004

2003

Boston College

Childrens Hospital

Tufts University


Boston University

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Reputation Ratings: Top Ten Non-profit Organizations (continued)

Harvard University has asuperiorrating of 67.8; this is its lowest score to date (71.1 in2005, 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 lastthree 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 asuperiorrating of 62.3; in past studies, the reputationof 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)

62.3

59.6

54.1

63.465.1

61.159.460.3

65.6

60.965.1

65.2

66.8

68.270.6

71.1

67.8

0.0 20.0 40.0 60.0 80.0 100.0

2006

2005

2004

2003

MIT


BCBSMA

Harvard University

University of Massachusetts

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Reputation Ratings: Top Ten For-profit Organizations

Many for-profit companies were added to the list this year, and therefore do not have anyprevious 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 superiorrating of

71.5. Staples, is given a rating of 61.4; this is down slightly from 63.3 last year, but isstill 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 in2004, and 45.8 in 2003). This rating is considered very good, and falls short of being

superiorby a negligible .03 points.

Top Ten For-Profit Organizations (1-5)

45.8

55.0

45.6

59.7

60.4

60.7

54.860.2

63.3

61.4

71.5

0.0 20.0 40.0 60.0 80.0 100.0

2006

2005

2004

2003

Home Depot USA, Inc.

Staples

Stop and Shop

Dunkin Donuts

Yankee Candle Co.

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Reputation Ratings: Top Five Colleges and Universities

Boston College tops the list of colleges and universities with asuperiorrating of 69.6; thecollege 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 isgiven 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 stillsuperior) 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

Boston University

Tufts University

Harvard University

Boston College

MIT61.1

59.4

60.3

65.6

68.2

70.6

71.1

67.8

57.2

65.8

69.8

69.2

56.9

64.5

67.1

69.2

65.1

64.5

65.2

69.6

0.0 20.0 40.0 60.0 80.0 100.0

2006

2005

2004

2003

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Reputation Ratings: Top Three Hospitals

Brigham and Womens Hospital tops the list for the first time with asuperiorrating of72.7; this is a large improvement on its initialgoodrating of 45.0 in 2003. Childrens

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 IsraelDeaconess Medical Center is given asuperiorrating 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 goodreputation rating of 57.5, whichis an improvement on all past ratings (51.7 in 2005, 52.0 in 2004, and 52.9 in 2003).

Top Five Hospitals

52.9

52.0

51.7

57.5

41.5

54.7

58.6

62.3

60.9

65.1

65.2

66.8

53.4

66.5

67.8

71.4

45.0

60.8

66.1

72.7

0.0 20.0 40.0 60.0 80.0 100.0

2006

2005

2004

2003


Childrens Hospital


Tufts/New England Medical Center

Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

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Reputation Ratings: Top Four HMOs

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts has an all-time high rating of 65.1, compared to63.4 in 2005, 54.1 in 2004, and 59.6 in 2003.

Harvard Pilgrim Health Care is second with a very goodrating of 53.5; this is in line withthe ratings given to the HMO in the past three studies (52.5 in 2005, 52.8 in 2004, and

53.5 in 2003).

With agoodrating of 48.1, Tufts Health Plans rating continues to decline; the HMO was

given a very goodrating 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 ithas yet to establish a significant reputation. Fallons ratings have fluctuated in the last

three studies; in 2005 it was given agoodrating of 45.6, a rating of 35.6 in 2004, and agoodrating of 41.1 in 2003.

Top Four HMOs

41.1

35.6

45.6

36.6

59.7

52.2

52.5

48.1

53.5

52.8

52.5

53.5

59.6

54.1

63.4

65.1

0.0 20.0 40.0 60.0 80.0 100.0

2006

2005

2004

2003

BCBSMA

Harvard Pilgrim Health Care

Tufts Health Plan

Fallon Community Health Plan

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Reputation Ratings: Top Five Financial Institutions

Fidelity Investments is given a very goodreputation rating of 58.5, which is almost a ten-point increase on last years 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 goodrating

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 all-

time low of 37.0, down from 45.6 last year, 50.5 in 2004 and 40.3 in 2003.

Top Five Financial Institutions

40.3

50.5

45.6

37.0

34.9

31.132.3

38.9

46.5

56.3

58.4

53.9

57.3

63.3

63.2

49.1

58.5

0.0 20.0 40.0 60.0 80.0 100.0

2006

2005

2004

2003

Fidelity Investments

Bank of America

Citizens Bank

Putnam Investments

State Street Bank

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Reputation Ratings: Top Four Biotech

None of the top four biotech firms are well-known to area executives. Boston Scientificis the most recognized with a rating of 37.2; this in an improvement on last years 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 yearan 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

7.6

2.6

7.1

8.8

8.9

19.1

28.1

26.8

40.4

29.5

37.2

0.0 20.0 40.0 60.0 80.0 100.0

2006

2005

2004

2003

Boston Scientific Corp.

Genzyme Corp.

Hologic

Palomar Medical Technologies

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Bostons Reputation as a Business Center

Most area executives think Boston has a positive reputation as a business center. Thirty-three 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 aspast its prime as a business center,while 17% say it is in need of an overhaul. Fourteen percent are not sure how to describe

Bostons reputation as a business center.

Please choose the phrase that best describes

Bostons current reputation as a business

center:

14%

17%

9%

27%

33%World Class

Up and coming

Past its prime

In need of an overhaul

(Not sure)

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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 livingin 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, and6% saypolitics 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?

26High cost of doing business

7Loss of young educated workers to other states

6Politics get in the way of growth

1Lost reputation for innovation

1Weather

2(Other)

8(Not sure)

48%High cost of living26High cost of doing business

7Loss of young educated workers to other states

6Politics get in the way of growth

1Lost reputation for innovation

1Weather

2(Other)

8(Not sure)

48%High cost of living

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Business with Offshore or International Companies

Almost one-fifth (18%) of area executives say their business with offshore orinternational 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?

Increased

18%

Decreased

3%

Remained the

same

14%

Not sure

6%

Do not do

business with

offshore/interna

tional

companies

58%

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The Epicenter for Business

Just one-quarter of area executives think downtown Boston will be the business epicenterof 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 samepercentages (12%) choose eitherinside 128 (near suburbs), oroutside 495.

What area of Boston, or in the Greater Boston

area, do you think will be the epicenter for

business in five years?

17%

1%

12%

12%

24%

34%In between 128 and 495

Downtown

Near suburbs, inside 128

Outside 495

Other Boston neighborhood

(Not sure)

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Real Estate Investments

Two-thirds (66%) of area executives say they would not buy residential real estate in theGreater 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%

No

66%

Not sure

2%

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Population Decline

A little over one-half (54%) say the states population will continue to decline, while30% say it will not. Fifteen percent are not sure.

Do you think Massachusetts population will

continue to decline?

Yes

54%

No

30%

Not sure

15%

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Responsibility for the Big Dig

Area executives were asked to choose who is most responsible for the problems with theBig 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 MattAmorello, while 4% say it isprevious 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:

1Mitt Romney

4Previous governors and administrations

11Contractors

71Combination

8(Not sure)

5%Matt Amorello1Mitt Romney

4Previous governors and administrations

11Contractors

71Combination

8(Not sure)

5%Matt Amorello

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The Big Digs Effect on the Business Climate

Fifty-eight percent agree that problems with the Big Dig are affecting the businessclimate 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%

No

28%

Not sure

12%

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Greater Bostons Strongest Assets

Almost one-half (48%) of executives say Greater Bostons strongest asset as acommunity from a business standpoint is the number ofexcellent 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 Bostons strongest assets as a

community from a business standpoint:

23Well-educated workforce

12Excellent health care facilities

6A strong financial services sector

2Excellent political leadership

10(Not sure)

48%Many excellent higher education institutions

23Well-educated workforce

12Excellent health care facilities

6A strong financial services sector

2Excellent political leadership

10(Not sure)

48%Many excellent higher education institutions

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Important Reasons for Relocating

Forty-two percent say high taxes are the most important reason for most businesses toconsider 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?

4%

2%

26%

26%

42%High taxes

High housing costs

High overhead costs

Poorly trained workers

(Not sure)

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Future Growth of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Companies

Forty-three percent of area executives say the inferior science and math education in theUnited 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 bepositive. About one-fifth (22%) are not sure what kind ofeffect 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?

Positively

4%

Not sure

22%

No effect

30%

Negatively

43%

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The Shift in Congress

Thirty-eight percent say the shift in Congress from a Republican to Democratic majoritywill help the states economy, while 20% say it will hurtthe states 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 states economy,

hurt the states economy, or will it have no

effect?

Help state

economy

38%

Hurt state

economy20%

No effect

29%

Not sure

12%

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APPENDIX: TOPLINE RESULTS

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TOPLINE

OPINION DYNAMICS CORP MCRS

ODC #6752 DECEMBER 2006

1. Pick the phrase that best describes Bostons current reputation as a business center:

World Class 33%Up and Coming 27

Past its Prime 9

In need of an Overhaul 17

(Not sure) 14

2. A recent Wall Street Journalarticle said the employment outlook for Boston is poor. Whatdo you see as the major barriers to employment here? (Read list)

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 1Weather 1

(Other) 2

(Not sure) 8

3. Over the last five years, has your business with offshore/international companiesincreased, decreased or remained the same? If your organization does not conductbusiness with offshore/international companies, please just say so.

Increased 18%

Decreased 3

Remained the same 14

(Do not do business with offshore/international companies) 58

(Not sure) 6

4. What area of Boston, or in the Greater Boston area, do you think will be the epicenter forbusiness in five years? (READ LIST)

Downtown 24%

Other Boston Neighborhood 1

Near suburbs, inside 128 12

In between 128 and 495 34

Outside 495 12

(Not sure) 17

5. Would you buy residential real estate in the Greater Boston area right now as aninvestment or opportunity?

Yes 32%

No 66

(Not sure) 2

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6. Do you think Massachusetts population will continue to decline?

Yes 54%

No 30

(Not sure) 15

7. Who is most responsible for the problems with the Big Dig: (READ LIST)

Matt Amorello 5%

Mitt Romney 1

Previous governors and administrations 4

Contractors 11

Combination 71

(Not sure) 8

8. Are the problems with the Big Dig affecting the business climate in Boston?

Yes 58%

No 28

(Not sure) 12

9. What are Greater Bostons strongest assets as a community from a business standpoint:(READ LIST)

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) 10

10. What do you think would be the most important reason for most businesses to consider

relocating out of Massachusetts? (READ LIST)

High taxes 42%

High housing costs 26

High overhead costs 26

Poorly-trained workers 2

(Not sure) 4

11. Science and math education in the U.S. lags behind other countries such as India andChina. How will this affect the future growth of biotechnology and pharmaceuticalcompanies in Massachusetts? (READ LIST)

Negatively 43%

No effect 30Positively 4

(Not sure) 22

32


33/33

12. Will the shift in Congress from a Republican to Democratic majority help the stateseconomy, hurt the states economy, or will it have no effect?

Help the states economy 38%

Hurt the states economy 20

No effect 29

(Not sure) 12

massachusetts corporate reputation survey (mcrs) - 2006

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