Koreans’ favorable views toward local companies edged up in the second half of 2011, helped by public expectations that businesses will create more jobs, a poll showed Thursday.

The survey by the Korean Chamber of Commerce and Industry revealed that the corporate favorite index rose to

51.2 points in the six-month period, up 0.4 points from the January-June period.

The figure represents a rebound after numbers started falling from a high of 54 reached in the first half of 2010. In the second half of 2010, the figure fell to 51.5 and again dipped to 50.8 in the first six months of last year.

The KCCI questioned 2,022 people nationwide aged 20 and above, with the survey using a 100-point scale to measure the general attitude toward companies. A 50-point reading marks the break-even average with higher numbers indicating a more favorable perception toward businesses.

“The modest rise came as people believed companies will provide more work and make necessary investments that can benefit the economy,” a KCCI researcher said.

He pointed out that 49.2 percent of the respondents said companies should move to create more jobs, with 20.9 percent calling for more employee welfare.

The latest findings showed public views improving in regards to the role of companies on social contributions and ethical management. The poll, however, said local businesses were losing ground in terms of international competitiveness and productively in the cited period vis-a-vis the first half. 

(Yonhap News)