Despite the flood of corporate scandals and mounting pressures of a recession which have both eroded trust in big business, an overwhelming percentage of consumers feel that for-profit businesses can address social issues according to the results of a poll released by Waggener Edstrom (WE) today. The 86% of consumers bumps a bit to 92% when the sample was only marketing and communications professionals.

The study was conducted with the help of polling shop RT Strategies as part of WE’s formalization of WE Social Innovation as one of its six practice areas.

WE’s SI practice is part of a move to council clients on the growing area of corporate social responsibility, or CSR. Along with social media, its a rare opportunity for revenue growth during the downturn. The study also found that 60 percent of consumers believe that businesses are in the best position to effect positive results on social issues, as opposed to governments (14 percent). Fifty-three percent were found more likely to purchase goods and services from companies that clearly demonstrated their commitments to social responsibility.

More insights can be found in WE’s press release.