Executive Leadership Gets Failing Grade
Diminishing Returns
27% of global consumers have less confidence in leaders today compared to 2013, as opposed to 17% who have more confidence.
Failing Grade
Just 29% of global consumers say business CEOs, CFOs, CIOs and other top officers demonstrate effective leadership, down from 36% in 2012.
Communication Breakdown
Only 35% say business leaders are effective communicators, and 74% say effective communications is “very” important for a leader.
Purchasing Power
45% will stop buying a company’s products and services based upon their negative impression of the company’s leadership.
Most Important Leader Attributes for Companies
Trustworthiness: 50%, Quality products and services: 49%, Good customer service: 43%, Clear customer focus: 36%, Ethical business practices: 34%
What Leaders Must Do in Times of Crisis
Provide a clear and timely action plan to rectify the situation: 51%, Define the problem properly and commit to identifying real solutions: 49%, Accept an appropriate level of responsibility for the problem: 47%
Most Credible Sources of Information about Companies
Friends and family: 40%, Employees of that organization: 30%, Activists and consumer rights groups: 21%
Credibility Gap
Only 17% of global consumers consider the CEO to be a reliable source of information about a company, and 15% feel the same way about other members of senior management.
Top Influential Channels to Impact Sentiment on a Company’s Leadership
TV interviews: 49%, In-person speeches: 42%, Formal announcements: 34%