COUNTRY FIRST AT 7:55 P.M. ET:   A new survey reveals some fascinating tidbits about Americans, and where they place their loyalties:

NEW YORK (Reuters Life!) – Americans are more loyal to their favorite soft drink, television show or car brand than they are to their employer, according to a joint Reuters/Ipsos poll.

But they are most committed to their country, followed by their family and their doctor.

Scrap the doctor.  Under Obamacare, you'll never get to know him.

"The most surprising thing was that country, which is more abstract, was No. 1, ahead of your family or spouse," said Timothy Keininghan, the author of the poll and a co-author of the book, "Why Loyalty Matters."

And..

Companies did not fare well when it comes to allegiance. Most Americans said they are more committed to their favorite soft drink than the company they work for...

The unkindest cut of all.  Sprite over Sprint.

...When asked how companies could improve loyalty the top answers included offering cash awards to consumers, replacing automatic answering machines with real people, making good products and not raising prices.

COMMENT:  The lack of company loyalty continues a trend.  But part of that trend is the fact that people today feel more mobile than they did 50 years ago.  Working for the local company is not the end-all.

But companies who value experienced workers obviously have some work to do.

April 29, 2010