Business leaders socially aware, new YPO survey shows

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 23 (Bernama) – The YPO 2019 Global Leadership Survey held from Dec 23, 2018 – Jan 4, 2019 with the participation of over 2,200 chief executives and over 1,800 future business leaders showed that a vast majority believe that the purpose of business is to have an impact on society beyond profits and wealth.

Key findings available at YPO.org/Davos found that 93 per cent of the C-Suite from 110 countries and 92 per cent of the younger generation aged between 18 and 31 agree on this.

The study by the Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO) found that 74 per cent of the CEOs say their perspective on their role as a business leader has changed in the past five years with employees (43 per cent), colleagues (40 per cent) and their children (37 per cent) cited as some of the top influencers behind this.

They also said that they are much more inclined to make an impact through their business than by being involved in politics.

They pointed to government regulations (51 per cent) and taxation (27 per cent) as the biggest stumbling blocks to creating a greater impact through their business.

They also said that their top three concerns for the future are climate change (37 per cent), lack of quality education (37 per cent), as well as peace, justice and global institutions (30 per cent).

In addressing the concerns, 57 per cent are ensuring their business makes a positive difference, 49 per cent are creating jobs and prosperity for people, and 43 per cent are teaching/mentoring.

Additionally, reducing waste/environmental impact were key focal points for participants in Asia (44 per cent), Europe (44 per cent) and Africa (43 per cent).

Among the future business leaders, 37 per cent also said climate change was a big concern with 55 per cent wanting to reduce their environmental impact.

In contrast to the viewpoint of the CEOs on the barriers to becoming a force for good, the young respondents said corruption (42 per cent) and not being interested in doing more (32 per cent) are the impediments to positive impact.

YPO will be sharing the 2019 Global Leadership Survey findings at an upcoming panel discussion entitled Profit with Purpose: A New Global Model in Davos, Switzerland on Jan 24.

For details, visit https://www.ypo.org.

-- BERNAMA