North American Firms Put Most Priority on Leadership Skills
Print Page
North American Firms Put Most Priority on Leadership Skills
PHILADELPHIA – January 19, 2012 – Compared with organizations elsewhere, North American organizations place a higher priority on leadership ability and potential than any other factor when filling a top position, according to a survey on global hiring trends by Right Management, the talent and career management experts within ManpowerGroup.
Participating in Right Management’s survey were more than 2,000 internal and external recruiters, human resource executives and hiring managers from 17 countries representing more than 20 industry sectors. The survey explored trends in recruitment as well as factors that influence hiring decisions.
Among the hiring factors to be considered for senior executive or C-level positions were: track record for driving business performance, cultural fit with the organization, creativity and innovation as well as critical thinking skills. Seventy-one percent of U.S. and Canadian respondents gave leadership skills as their top priority.
“When it comes to the very top positions all organizations recognize the pivotal importance of leadership skills whether it would be innate charisma or skills carefully developed over a lifetime,” said Michael Haid, Senior Vice President Talent Management at Right Management. “But the survey findings reveal somewhat different priorities. While North American organizations place the greatest priority on leadership, European employers match the global average of 61%, and the percentage drops among Asia Pacific respondents.”
Leadership Ability & Potential as Hiring Factor for C-Suite
(percentage priority by region)
- 71% North America
- 61% Europe
- 53% Asia Pacific
- 61% Global average
According to Haid, leadership is first priority everywhere. “But in some regions other factors have greater relative weight in hiring decisions. Nonetheless, what we found is statistically significant.”
About the Survey
The online survey was conducted in December 2010. There were 2,080 participants from 17 countries. The 25-item questionnaire was translated into more than ten languages.
About Right Management
Right Management is a global leader in talent and career management workforce solutions within ManpowerGroup. The firm designs and delivers solutions to align talent strategy with business strategy. Expertise spans Talent Assessment, Leader Development, Organizational Effectiveness, Employee Engagement, and Workforce Transition and Outplacement. With offices in over 50 countries, Right Management partners with companies of all sizes – including more than 80% of the Fortune 500 – to help grow and engage their talent, increase productivity and optimize business performance.
Media Contact: Shari Fryer, shari@fryerassociates.com, 970-846-6607.