RepMan Reputation Research Center held its 10th annual forum on April 10, 2021, online, under the theme “Who do we trust and why?”
REPMAN FORUM 2021 was organized this year with the support of Allianz Türkiye, OrganikPR OPR, Panasonic Life Solutions Türkiye, and Zorlu Group.
The following framework was established regarding the forum theme:
“The concept of ‘trust’ emerged as the theme for the REPMAN 2021 forum. We have concerns about ‘trust,’ which is the outcome of reputation. Especially in our world, where information technologies surround us on all sides, the question of whom we should trust and why constantly occupies our minds.
In a technological world where disinformation shapes our lives, we rediscovered how important it is to be able to trust. Celebrities, phenomena, and influencers have become prominent players in the “trust market,” even if it is not new.
Do we want to embark on a journey of “trust” with institutions as much as we do with our relationships? But how?
What “transitions” make it possible to trust? What is the role of leaders in managing trust? Is it possible to repair broken, damaged trust? Are there signs of the fragility of the bridge of trust between institutions and society?
“RESPECT” Survey Findings
The forum, chaired by RepMan founding President Salim Kadıbeşegil, began with the presentation of the annual RESPECT study. The public survey, conducted in February 2021, was enriched by in-depth interviews conducted in March 2021.
The research specifically examined the following issues:
- The public survey also included in-depth interviews with phenomena, influencers, celebrities, and spokespersons for brands using these names.
- The most intensively followed social media platforms and the degree of trust in them
- Why do followers make negative posts about brands, and how does this affect their purchasing behavior? Do phenomena play a role in this negativity?
- Where do people turn to verify the accuracy of information on social media?
- Where does the reputation of influencers and celebrities come from? Are they trusted? How effective are their recommendations of products/services in purchasing?
You can access the executive summary of the RESPECT study here.
REPMAN FORUM 2021: Who Were the Guests?
This year’s forum program featured a special interview with artist and AHBAP Association President Haluk Levent. Haluk Levent briefly shared information about the AHBAP platform he heads. Haluk Levent highlighted the tangible examples of trustworthiness and the tangible nature of reputation within the scope of AHBAP activities.
In the panel titled “Components of Trust,” moderated by journalist M. Serdar Kuzuloğlu, Mustafa Köksalan, President of the Oy ve Ötesi Association, and Mehmet Atakan Foça, Founder of teyit.org, shared examples of how they built “trust” in their respective fields.
Prof. Dr. Haluk Gürgen, a member of the RepMan Central Advisory Board, made general assessments about “being trustworthy” in the closing remarks and commented on the reasons for participating in the forum.
You can watch the recording of REPMAN FORUM 2021 here .