World Bank Receives Good Marks in World Poll: Global Companies Less Positive, But More Popular In South Than North

Abstract

As leaders of the global economy convene in Davos, a new BBC poll of 32 nations finds that despite the widespread criticism it has received, the World Bank is widely viewed as having a positive influence in the world and was viewed most positively among a list of global economic actors, including the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and global companies. On average, 55 percent rated the World Bank as having a positive influence in the world, while just 18 percent rated it as having a negative influence. Among the 32 countries polled, in 30 a majority (17 countries) or a plurality (13) rated the World Bank as positive. In only one country—Argentina—did a plurality (47%) say it is having a negative influence.