Survey says Microsoft has the best reputation

Microsoft has gained some serious bragging rights this week and it wasn’t even from its launch of the Windows Vista operating system. According to the recently completed poll by Harris Interactive and the Wall Street Journal, the company topped the charts for corporate reputation, narrowly beating out Johnson and Johnson which has held the number one spot for seven years.

7,886 Americans were asked what two companies had the best reputation and what companies had the worst reputations. Factors like social responsibility, financial performance and emotional appeal were ranked.

Microsoft shot to the top mainly because of Bill Gates philanthropic activities. Gates has given billions of dollars to charitable organizations, but the majority of the funds have gone to his Bill and Melinda Gates foundation. Created in 2000, the foundation fights global poverty and disease.