key findings //
15:
At tracting & retaining talent
introduction
Economists around the world have labelled the current
economic environment “the new normal” – a world of
slower growth for businesses, shrinking budgets in the
Public sector and pressure on Not-For-Profit organisations
to deliver more with less.
Professor Greg Whittred
Dean
The University of Auckland Business School
Clayton Kimpton
Chief Executive Partner
Kensington Swan
*
Management Matters report. Visit
www.med.govt.nz
We believe that ‘The New Normal’ survey provides unique insights into the most
pressing issues facing Chief Executives in New Zealand’s largest organisations in the
Private, Public and Not-For-Profit sectors. We hope it is a starting point for informed
discussion and decision-making.
Our motivation in conducting this research was to better understand the challenges
and risks facing organisations, and to offer our perspectives on how to address them.
For the Business School, the aim was also to further inform research and teaching
within our own new normal — the Graduate School of Management; while for
Kensington Swan the aim was to connect the issues with the key legal implications.
Through different lenses, both our organisations are focused on contributing to
successful business performance and therefore a thriving New Zealand economy.
Identifying the challenges is only half the story. Confident decision-making around
solutions and quality execution by skilled managers are what will improve business
performance. A recent Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment study*
concluded that the most important driver of an organisation’s performance and
productivity is the capability of its people. The organisations that will succeed in this
environment are those that develop strong leadership and governance skills, in-house
innovation capabilities, and the skills to connect globally. We cannot stress enough how
important it is for all organisations to develop those capabilities, if they are to thrive.
We thank the 265 Chief Executives who took the time to participate in this survey, and
we look forward to talking through its contents with you. You are more than welcome
to contact any of our experts quoted within these pages, if you wish to discuss further
any of the topics covered.
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