A global survey of 28,810 employees ranked the UK 10th out of 15 countries in terms of how positively staff view their leaders.
In the public sector only 23% of staff think leaders take an active stance, compared with 53% of accountants.
Almost three quarters (73%) of staff who view senior leaders favourably are engaged compared with 32% who do not have a high opinion of senior leadership.
Business leaders in India were most appreciated by staff, followed by New Zealand, Brazil, China and the US, while 15th place went to Japan.
Jayne Carrington, Right Management's managing director, 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 that 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 its peers in other countries."
