Study Uncovers Big Gaps in Employee and CEO Perceptions of Management Performance
SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 12, 2007--While public outcry over skyrocketing
CEO compensation regularly makes headlines, it turns out that nearly two thirds
of CEOs who responded to a BNET.com study couldn't agree more. This is according
to the first-of-its-kind CEO Report Card, compiled from the feedback of more
than 1,500 respondents to a survey conducted by BNET, an online resource that
helps business managers and professionals successfully navigate the corporate
landscape and a property of CNET Networks, Inc. (NASDAQ:CNET).
The survey also revealed that, while 64% of CEOs describe themselves as "engaged,"
just 35% of employees feel that good ideas successfully bubble up through the
organization to the attention of the CEOs.
While both groups agree on the issues of CEO salary, employees and CEOs have
a vastly different perception of management ability. For example, 50% of execs
say their leadership style is effective, but only one third of employees agree.
"The data clearly show that today's executives lack the 'soft skills' to inspire
their employees, appear compassionate or communicate effectively. They also
are seen as inaccessible and unapproachable," said Stephen Howard-Sarin, editorial
director, BNET. "This should be a slap in the face for executives - investing
some energy into improving even just their communication skills could pay huge
dividends."
More highlights of the survey:
- Despite current perceptions, only 24.8% of employees say that CEOs "tend
to be unethical."
- Nearly 70% of executives are satisfied with their performance, but only
45% of employees say their leaders are doing a good job. Employees identify
communication and leadership style as their leaders' largest weaknesses.
- More than three quarters (77%) of employees say that CEOs are overpaid
and 64% of top executives agree.
- Most executives say that they most value integrity when evaluating their
employees, however only 27% of employees think this is true. Employees say
that delivering results is what matters most when they are evaluated.
- One in three executives say that CEOs get picked on by the media and are
under-appreciated for the responsibility they shoulder. 75% of employees disagree.
To read and download the full report, including expert commentary and analysis,
visit: http://www.bnet.com/2436-13070_23-173261.html.
Survey Methodology
The "CEO Report Card" survey was conducted via email among registered BNET.com
users June 11-18, 2007. A total of 1,572 surveys were completed. Of employed
respondents (93.1 of total%), 24.5% of respondents identified themselves as
senior or executive management level; 45.2% as middle or other management; 9.4%
as professional 17.6% as staff and 3.3% as "other" or n/a. 47% of employed respondents
work for companies with over 1,000 employees; 24% with 100-999 employees; and
29% fewer than 100 employees. The majority of industries represented are manufacturing,
business services/consulting, healthcare and finance.
Please note: For the purposes of this report, "CEO" denotes the top executive
within a company and is inclusive of company presidents and owners; "respondents"
refers to BNET's registered users who completed the survey.
About BNET.com
BNET.com helps business managers and professionals successfully navigate the
corporate landscape through practical and actionable content addressing the
workplace issues and situations they face. BNET is a property of CNET Networks,
Inc.
About CNET Networks, Inc.
CNET Networks, Inc. (Nasdaq:CNET) is an interactive media company that builds
brands for people and the things they are passionate about, such as gaming,
music, entertainment, technology, business, food, and parenting. The Company's
leading brands include CNET, GameSpot, TV.com, MP3.com, CHOW, ZDNet and TechRepublic.
Founded in 1992, CNET Networks has a strong presence in the US, Asia, and Europe.
CONTACT: CNET Networks, Inc.
Heather Hawkins, 415-344-2157
heather.hawkins@cnet.com
SOURCE: CNET Networks, Inc.
