Why Public Image Matters Mk. Umpteen

It affects the bottom line, as underscored by this article in the NYT. Here's Keith Reinhard, president of Business for Diplomatic Action, on why people in other countries are hesitating to buy American:

Q. Is the war in Iraq driving the negativity?

A. That's one of four root causes. Another is the arrogance, ignorance and insensitivity of American people. A third reason for anti-American sentiment is the pervasiveness of American pop culture. We're not the only source of "cool" anymore. And the fourth reason is the effects of globalization. In developing countries, they resent the fact that American-led globalization has, in their minds, left them out.

Effective PR can help, but actual action is always best. Fortune 500 CEOs, I'm looking at y'all.