Product category:
Building Trade Associations and Institutes
News Release from: Chartered Management Institute | Subject: Construction sector senior executives juggle
Edited by the Buildingtalk Editorial
Team on 01 November 2007
Construction sector senior executives
juggle
New research by the Chartered Management Institute shows senior executives in the construction sector are struggling to manage conflicting priorities.
Senior executives in the construction sector admit they are struggling to manage conflicting priorities, as demand for their attention is split between strategic planning, stakeholder management and personal needs Research, published today by the Chartered Management Institute, reveals that managers and leaders in the sector are highly motivated, but worry that the challenges they face will affect their ability to perform
This article was originally published on Buildingtalk on 28 Nov 2007 at 8.00am (UK)
Related stories
Cold turkey and 'bah humbug' on Christmas menu
Christmas cheer will be missing from many organisations in the construction sector this year says Chartered Management Institute annual 'Christmas Outlook' survey.
Impact is everything in construction sector
'Who you know' and 'what you know' is no longer enough to get a job in the construction sector, according to a report published by the Chartered Management Institute.
The research shows that an overwhelming majority in the construction sector (83 per cent) grapple with the challenge of 'prioritising work'.
Two-thirds (65 per cent) claim to have 'little time to think' and 60 per cent also say they struggle to find 'time for strategic planning'.
Only 5 in 10 in the sector find it easy to make time for their staff, while 34 per cent are diverted by internal politics.
Further reading
Lack of management skills cause workplace bullying
New research released by the Ban Bullying At Work campaign reveals that two thirds (66%) of managers believe that lack of management skills is the major factor contributing to bullying.
Impact of smoking ban stubbed out by business
With the ban on smoking only 4 weeks away, organisations across the construction sector are claiming it will have little impact on their business.
Construction should plan for extreme conditions
Organisations in construction sector unlikely to 'weather the storm' as they fail to plan for extreme conditions.
Worryingly, the research also shows that respondents in the construction sector find it hard to manage personal needs.
49 per cent find their own administration a challenge, 62 per cent often find it hard to get home on time and only 2 in 10 strongly agree they can relax in their free time.
Asked about challenges faced by their employers, the research shows that striving to reach daily goals can be at the expense of long-term success.
Key findings include: - Daily diverts: 68 per cent in the sector admit that 'finishing tasks' is a battle.
51 per cent of respondents blame an organisational culture of 'meeting overload' for this, with the same proportion (51 per cent) also saying that 'meeting preparation time' diverts too much attention - Innovation a low priority: only 6 per cent believe 'innovation' is a challenge, so it is a concern that the majority (77 per cent) in the sector claim new product development is not high on the organisational agenda.
In terms of long-term growth it is also a worry that 70 per cent view 'seeking new markets for products and services' as unimportant - Development doldrums: despite 81 per cent of organisations struggling to recruit the best candidates*, only 1 in 3 respondents in the construction sector claim that internal talent management is important to their employer and just 32 per cent agree with the statement that they 'understand how their career will progress' The research also shows managers are worried that such narrow approaches will affect performance.
However the survey shows that managers in the construction sector are determined to succeed.
83 per cent can't wait to 'get up in the morning' and 75 per cent claim they find it easy to 'keep positive'.
There is also a clear indication of camaraderie, with 76 per cent turning to colleagues for support.
Jo Causon, director of marketing and corporate affairs for the Chartered Management Institute, says: "In the current climate, prioritising a multitude of responsibilities and tasks at work is a real challenge for managers".
"Organisations need to provide a supportive and open environment so individuals can dedicate time to developing fresh ideas for the future of the business".
"The lack of professional training and development is also a concern".
"If UK employers fail to invest in the skills and competencies of individuals, there will be a serious impact on how well the UK performs on a global market in the future".
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 management checklists, diagnostic tools and general advice is available via a specially created website, www.managers.org.uk/howdoyou.
• Chartered Management Institute: contact details and other news
• Email this article to a colleague
• Register for the free Buildingtalk email newsletter
• Buildingtalk Home Page
Search the Pro-Talk network of sites
