Questions remain over UK organisationsí ability to cope in uncertain times

Data released today by the Chartered Management Institute suggests that UK organisations have a misplaced confidence about their ability to cope with uncertainty and change. The findings also identify the key challenge currently facing UK employers, but suggest that little is being done to address it.

Demonstrating a worrying level of over-confidence, the survey shows that, of the top concerns raised, only 38 per cent of organisations believe that ëmanaging risksí is most important. Just 32 per cent suggest that ëdeveloping talentí is a significant issue, despite nearly two-thirds (60 per cent) admitting that skills and talent management is the key challenge currently facing UK employers.

And although evidence exists to show that the proportion of failed IT projects (74 per cent) is as high as in 1980* these latest findings reveal that only 24 per cent think it is a priority to ëkeep abreast of technological changeí. Worse still, just 10 per cent believe effective use of ëIT and communicationsí is one of the biggest challenges for the UK.

Little over one-third (38 per cent) also think that ëprioritising the reputationí of their organisation is important for long-term business success. Only 35 per cent view ëmanaging the impact of regulationí as a necessity ñ a surprising response given the importance of corporate governance.

Commenting on the findings, Jo Causon, director, marketing and corporate affairs at the Chartered Management Institute, says: ìQuestions need to be asked about how UK organisations will be able to manage in the future, if they fail to address key operational issues. Rather than simply focusing on ëwhat should be done todayí the inability to plan properly might lead to questions of a more critical nature; ëwhat opportunities have I missed?í or worse, ëhow did the organisation not see that coming?í.î

The survey, which took into account the views of 1,175 managers, also shows that innovation is a low priority amongst UK organisations. Less than 1 in 5 (16 per cent) believe the creativity and inventiveness is a top challenge and just 22 per cent argue that it is important in todayís working environment. Although this figure increases when respondents look at business priorities in 2013, at 28 per cent it is still worryingly low.

The research does, however, uncover some encouraging news. Asked how effective individuals felt their organisation is at ëmonitoring the competitioní 70 per cent responded positively. Reflecting the belief that UK organisations are in touch with their customer base, 65 per cent also claimed their employer is effective when it comes to ëscanning changes in society for its impact on the business.í

There were also some positive signs for individuals, with 83 per cent saying they ëcanít wait to get up in the morningí, 75 per cent claiming it is easy to ëkeep positiveí and 53 per cent suggesting that, despite heavy workloads, ëtaking time for lunch is no longer a challengeí.

Causon adds: ìIn the current economic environment the need for high levels of efficiency are all too apparent, so it is encouraging to see some positive signs for employers and individuals. However, it is not an excuse to become too comfortable with the situation as success depends on the ëprinciple of preparationí ñ namely the ability to juggle tasks, manage change and meet market expectations.î

Reacting to the findings, the Chartered Management Institute has created a freely downloadable resource to help individuals juggle priorities and manage more effectively. A series of employer resources are also available via: