Business Conspiracy Theories

This study explored one of the less studied types conspiracy theories, namely those concerned with business, organisations and industry. In all, 400 participants completed a 60-item questionnaire which covered number areas such as dishonest advertising, bribery corruption. Given opportunity to respond “don’t know”, large (>25%) responded that way very specific questions. Overall, it seemed consumers believed drug, oil tobacco companies were devious in their marketing. Also, they many manufacturers advertisers attempted manipulate trick customers. Four factors resulted from analyses though correlations regressions suggested demographic (age, sex, class) ideological (religious political beliefs) not strongly related business theories suggesting consensus. Implications for understanding how beliefs relate product purchase consumer boycotts are discussed.