Senior leadership teams in the UK are not seen as strong and visible leaders by their employees according to the latest global research.
An international study of 28,810 employees revealed that the UK was ranked 10th out of the 15 countries included in the poll in terms of how well employees view their leaders. This puts the UK behind India (whose managers came top overall), the US, Australia, Germany and China. Only half of UK respondents say their senior leaders are visible to staff while over a third say that their senior leaders do not lead by example.
The study, undertaken by talent and career management consultancy Right Management also found that the response from UK employees shows there is a dramatic difference in results between the public and private sectors. In the public sector, only 23% see leaders taking an active stance in leading by example whereas in the accountancy profession, this figure is 53%. In the public sector, only 35% of UK respondents agree that their leaders are visible but this figure jumps up to 68% in the accountancy profession.
In addition, the survey also demonstrates a clear link between perceptions of senior leadership and the level of employee engagement - and therefore the performance of the organisation. While 73% of those who view their senior leadership favourably are engaged, 32% of those view senior leadership unfavourably are not engaged.
There is a similar correlation with productivity. 61% who view their leaders favourably see themselves as working for very productive organisations while 51% who view them unfavourably see their organisation as unproductive.
Commenting on the report, Right Management’s managing director Jayne Carrington said: “Senior managers need to be mindful that the problems relating to recession do not distract them from leading from the front. It is the leaders who inspire and engage their staff who will help their companies adapt and survive in difficult markets. They do need to be visible and lead by example.
There is a similar correlation with productivity. 61% who view their leaders favourably see themselves as working for very productive organisations while 51% who view them unfavourably see their organisation as unproductive.
Commenting on the report, Right Management’s managing director Jayne Carrington said: “Senior managers need to be mindful that the problems relating to recession do not distract them from leading from the front. It is the leaders who inspire and engage their staff who will help their companies adapt and survive in difficult markets. They do need to be visible and lead by example.
“Leaders in other international markets are evidently placing more emphasis on the way in which they communicate and manage their staff. The UK can certainly learn from their peers in other countries. Strong and visible leadership will be the key not only to our recovery, but also to ensure as a nation we stay competitive against both emerging and traditional markets."
