The 2010 edition of the Ashridge Management Index: Meeting the Challenges of the 21st Century indicates that while most managers (71%) describe a positive leadership environment within their organisations, only 41% of those surveyed believe leaders in their organisation are developed to lead change well, and just over half state that they feel leaders in their organisation have the necessary skills to lead change.
The report also highlights that 83% of respondents are managing or working in cross-functional and virtual teams This shift in the way that teams are put together is becoming more commonplace, although fewer than half of those surveyed felt their organisation provides sufficient support for virtual working. For those working in the public sector this figure is just 33%.
Additionally, just over half of those surveyed say that top leaders in their organisation do not spend sufficient time communicating with staff. In spite of the fact that business is aware of the importance of
communication, this figure has not changed since 2004.
Fiona Dent, co-author of the Index and Ashridge director of executive education, explains: "The findings have many implications for senior managers, line managers and HR professionals as many of the issues are ones where all levels of management have a part to play - better communication within organisations, structured and well thought-out
succession planning and investment in relevant learning and development.
One of the major findings of the 2008 survey was the discrepancy between the motivating factors cited by organisations compared with those named by individual managers. This year's findings indicate a greater alignment.
The survey was completed by over 1200 managers from the private and public sectors, principally in the UK, and was conducted between November 2009 and January 2010.
