Pressure on the job may be growing for corporate executives, according to a new survey from Robert Half Management Resources. An overwhelming majority (89%) of senior executives polled said they believe it’s more challenging to be a company leader in today’s business environment than it was five years ago. The national poll was conducted by an independent research firm and includes responses from 150 senior executives—including those from human resources, finance, and marketing departments—with the nation’s 1,000 largest companies.
Executives were asked, “Do you think it’s more or less challenging to be a company leader in today’s business environment versus five years ago?” Their responses:
• Significantly more challenging: 54%
• Somewhat more challenging: 35%
• No change: 9%
• Much less challenging: 1%
• Don’t know: 1%
“Companies today face levels of government, shareholder, and public scrutiny that didn’t exist five years ago,” says Paul McDonald, executive director of Robert Half Management Resources. “Senior management is held more directly accountable for ensuring the integrity and financial stability of the company and spearheading growth in a competitive global market.”
McDonald added that businesses are operating at an accelerated pace to meet customer demands and grow market share. “Corporate leaders are expected to accomplish more in less time but are confronted with key challenges, including driving shareholder value, retaining talent, establishing a strong technology infrastructure, and assessing merger or acquisition opportunities. The most successful executives develop and implement long-term strategies for their organizations, manage business risk to enhance performance and motivate employees to achieve their best.”
For more information, contact Christine Pardi of Robert Half Management Resources at 650-234-6435.
