Tomorrow’s business leaders may be MIA

Three-quarters of human resources executives around the world say they’re worried about developing future leaders for their companies. The findings come from an IBM study that surveyed more than 400 HR execs in 40 countries.

Given the growth in emerging markets and the retirement of experienced personnel in mature economies, companies may find their growth strategies at risk unless they address the issue, suggests the study.

“In today’s business environment, organizations worldwide need to have a pipeline of future leaders who can deliver on today’s commitments, drive workforce and enterprise transformation, and lay the groundwork for future growth,” said Tim Ringo, Global Leader, Human Capital Management, IBM Global Business Services. “Effective leadership not only guides individuals through turbulent business conditions, but creates a climate that attracts and retains high performers, who will be in increasingly short supply in the future.”

Companies in the Asia Pacific region are most concerned about their ability to develop future leaders (88 percent); followed by Latin America (74 percent); Europe, Middle East and Africa, (74 percent); Japan (73 percent) and North America (69 percent).

The Global Human Capital Study titled “Unlocking the DNA of the Adaptable Workforce” was developed by IBM Global Business Services’ Human Capital Management practice and the IBM Institute for Business Value (IBV), with assistance from the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU).