Leaders confident of growth prospects for 2006

Leaders confident of growth prospects for 2006

Three-quarters of senior executives in North America, Europe and Asiabelieve their companies and industries will grow in 2006, according to theresults of an online survey by Accenture.

The annual survey, which identifies the business outlook and major concernsof 1,000 executives worldwide, found that nearly 78% of companies will behiring in the next six months. In addition, nearly half the companies expectto increase spending this year.Some other highlights of the survey include:

- Most senior executives expect their companies to expand by buildingdeeper relationships with current customers and by launching new productsand services.

- Chief operating officers and HR directors are the most optimistic aboutthe growth of their organizations, with nearly 80% predicting businessgrowth in 2006.

- 98% of respondents in China predicted growth for their industry this year.

- Respondents in government were the least optimistic, with only 57% ofthese respondents expecting growth this year.

The survey also reveals what the respondents believe are the top threats totheir company’s success in 2006:
1. The competition: 72%
2. The health of the global economy: 67%
3. Inability to attract and retain the best talent: 60%
4. My company’s reputation: 59%
5. Inability to develop new products/services: 48%
6. Terrorism: 39%7. Low employee morale: 39%
7. Compliance with govt. regulation: 38%
9. Inability to focus on core competencies: 37%
10.Instability of senior leadership: 35%

Source: http://www.accenture.com