In the study, 456 executives responded to the question, "What are you doing to improve your company's performance beyond cutting costs?" Responses included the following:
- 27 percent -- Undertaking company-wide performance improvement initiatives to refine current processes
- 17 percent -- Focusing on specific strategies, partnerships and business growth opportunities to increase sales
- 13 percent -- Providing employees with training, seminars and other educational resources
- 11 percent -- Motivating and recognizing employees
- 8 percent -- Introducing new products and services to the marketplace
- 7 percent -- Implementing the latest technology to streamline operations
- 7 percent -- Hiring new employees and concentrating on recruitment efforts
- 6 percent -- Improving internal communications
- 4 percent -- Improving customer service and personal goals
"These results indicate that leaders are seeking help from within. Reading through the detailed comments, you realize how much senior executives are looking to their workforce for ideas and help in improving company performance," says Dr. Theresa Welbourne of the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan, who conducted the study along with eePulse Inc.
Started in June of 2003, the Leadership Pulse measures the effects of key resources and confidence levels on overall business growth and performance. Anyone wishing more detailed analyses of these data or individual managers who wish to be included in the Leadership Pulse study can contact Welbourne at (734) 996-2321. A Web site, www.eepulse.com, is available for individuals who want more information or who wish to participate in the study, or for those organizations that would like to have up to 50 senior leaders participate in the study.