Americans Prioritize Ethical Business Over Federal Government

A new Gallup study reveals deep public skepticism regarding corporate executive pay practices and government effectiveness.

Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Public Companies

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of two imbalanced weighing scales, representing the significant trust gap between public expectations and current corporate ethics. — A new Bentley University and Gallup study indicates that 97% of Americans demand ethical business practices, yet only 32% perceive the private sector as ethical. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you trust most companies to maintain fair pay gaps between CEOs and their average employees?

Released in October 2026, a study by Bentley University and Gallup finds that Americans are increasingly disillusioned with both federal performance and corporate compensation. While most citizens demand ethical business practices, only a minority believe companies and government bodies are meeting these standards.

Why it matters

The findings underscore a widening trust gap between the public and major institutions. As CEO pay continues to outpace worker wage growth, the public perception of institutional fairness remains a significant point of concern for U.S. leaders.

CEO compensation at the top 350 U.S. firms climbed 14% in 2025, reaching a pay ratio 325 times that of the average employee. Meanwhile, public rating of federal government effectiveness dropped from 51% in 2025 to 43% in 2026.

The players

Bentley University

This private university located in Waltham, Massachusetts, is known for its focus on business education and research.

Gallup

Gallup is a global analytics and advisory firm famous for its public opinion polling and workplace research.

The details

Although 97% of Americans believe ethical profitability is essential, just 32% currently view the private sector as operating ethically. Furthermore, 84% of respondents prioritize limiting executive-to-worker pay gaps, yet only 15% feel corporations are managing these disparities effectively.

CEO pay at the top 350 U.S. firms rose 14% during 2025.
51% of U.S. adults rated the federal government as effective in 2025.
The Bentley University and Gallup study was released in October 2026.
Public confidence in the federal government dropped to 43% in 2026.

Market Landscape

This study highlights the growing disparity between executive compensation and average worker wages, a trend that consistently fuels public demand for increased corporate oversight. It signals that companies failing to address these internal imbalances risk significant reputational damage.

For the average American, this data reflects a deepening divide in economic fairness that influences voting preferences and support for corporate regulation. It suggests shoppers and employees may continue to favor firms that prioritize transparent pay structures and ethical labor practices.

The takeaway

Public sentiment highlights a critical demand for greater transparency in corporate compensation models. Investors and consumers should note that long-term brand loyalty is increasingly tied to the ethical management of executive-to-worker pay disparities.