Seeking Independent Review

Compared with other large companies, how would you rate Verizon on its performance as a good corporate citizen?
 

Compared with other large companies, how would you rate Verizon on how clearly it communicates its stances on policy issues?

Do you think that Verizon does a very good, somewhat good, somewhat bad or very bad job of communicating its corporate responsibility?

“They really seem to be hitting on a lot of these issues that technology touches on, and that their business touches on, and I think that’s a very good way to show corporate responsibility…looking at every area that can be affected.”

Judging What We Do

An independent organization — Penn Schoen & Berland (PSB) of Washington, DC — polled 50 people from advocacy organizations, think tanks and NGOs with which we regularly work. The anonymous survey was conducted between February-March 2009. The intent was to capture candid feedback on our social, educational and environmental programs and our effectiveness in communicating. Results from the survey are presented at right.

Research Summary

• Stakeholders have highly favorable views of Verizon’s corporate responsibility efforts, both generally and with respect to specific programs.
• Regardless of whether they agree with Verizon’s positions, stakeholders also give Verizon credit for transparency and open dialogue with people.
• But PSB found that only one in five stakeholders says that Verizon does a very good job of communicating about what it does.

Key Findings

• Stakeholders say the breadth and depth of Verizon’s priorities make it a leader among U.S. companies.
• Long-term consistency of priorities is Verizon’s most differentiating quality, with education and broadband access perceived as top priorities.
• Many stakeholders note the innovative methods that Verizon employs to address its priorities, considering not only where to contribute but also how. For example, deploying its unique resources, such as providing phones for domestic violence survivors and education tools via the Internet.
• But many stakeholders say they were unaware of Verizon programs outside of their own field of interest or expertise.
• Stakeholders suggest Verizon needs to increase awareness of its programs so that more people can take advantage of them. And some believe stronger visibility would encourage other businesses to contribute.

Additional Findings & Recommendations

Thinkfinity.org

• An excellent use of Verizon’s Internet technology and a much-needed supplement especially given strained budgets for public education.
• Teachers need more training to navigate the Thinkfinity.org site and utilize its tools.

Recommendation: Provide more training and make the site easier to use.

Domestic Violence Prevention

• Most applaud Verizon for defining a connection between its technology and an unseen social issue.
• They offer similar praise for using in-kind donations, which leaves it to experts to administer without interference.
• Not enough people are aware they can donate and receive phones through HopeLine.

Recommendation: Tell customers about donations at every touch point; work with partners to identify agencies and shelters.

Internet Safety

• Many express personal interest in learning more about safety tools that Verizon offers.
• A majority favor empowering parents rather than legislation and censorship.
• A few said tools are not enough, suggesting that Verizon should educate and encourage more conversations.

Recommendation: Boost awareness such as integrating efforts into Thinkfinity.org curriculum or developing public service announcements.

Environmental Initiatives

• There is limited familiarity with environmental issues and criteria for defining an exceptional program.
• Still, many acknowledge that these efforts — namely, using broadband technology to address energy issues — could impact business practices and consumer markets.

Recommendation: Keep investing to reduce carbon footprint and work to define benefits of company initiatives.