Here are some poll numbers released by Rasmussen Reports -- "an electronic publishing firm specializing in the collection, publication, and distribution of public opinion polling information."
75% Say Business Better at Customer Service Than Government
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Three-out-of-four American voters (75%) say that businesses do a better job than government agencies when it comes to handling customer service issues. The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey found that only 11% take the opposite view and believe that government bodies do a better job.
These beliefs are shared widely across most demographic groups. However, the Political Class sees things differently--44% in that demographic believe that government provides better service while just 38% say that business does a better job.
The survey also found that Americans overwhelmingly believe that businesses benefit from treating customers and employees well. By a 72% to 7% margin, voters nationwide say that companies who provide great customer service make more money over the long run. By a 75% to 7% margin, voters say that companies who treat their employees well also end up making more money. On these questions, the Political Class is not out of step with the rest of the country.
The belief that companies who treat customers and employees well are acting in their own self-interest is a key point for those who argue that free markets offer positive benefits to society. Other recent survey data has found that 77% of Americans prefer free market economics over a government managed economy. However, just 53% prefer capitalism over socialism. The gap between those figures is partially explained by the fact that just 35% of voters believe that free market economics and capitalism are the same .
Capitalism may be associated more with the corporate shenanigans seen recently by large companies seeking bailouts from their political friends. Seventy percent (70%) of Americans believe that big government and big business typically work together against the interests of consumers and investors . Corporate bailouts remain very unpopular. Most Americans say that, looking back, the bailouts were a mistake . However, the Political Class disagrees.
Rasmussen Reports has been measuring the difference between the Political Class and Mainstream views on a variety of issues.
Those with Mainstream views generally trust the judgment of the public more than political leaders, view the federal 
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To view a copy of the original report, please use this link: Customer Service, What's That?