REPORTERNET.COM

The energy sector is the one most likely to see an increase in business activity in Bulgaria in 2012, according to a survey of 140 senior executives by an executive search company.

The survey also found that more than half of those polled, 66 per cent, were optimistic about 2012 as a business year.

On issues of areas of improvement, the survey by Stanton Chase International found that, just as in 2010, top executives still identified general management as a function of scarce leadership talent.

The shortage of capable leaders was most strongly felt in construction and real estate (by 43 per cent of representatives of the sector), followed by logistics and transport and financial services (by a third of the representatives of these sectors).

Sales and business development leadership talent was felt to be most lacking in the technology sector.

"In addition, some of the respondents mention shortage of strategic planning, strategic management, project management as well as general lack of vision – all these are not exactly functions in many organisations but still reflect some major Bulgarian senior executives’ worries – it seems companies still rely mostly on short-term development objectives."

Nearly a third of those polled believed that Bulgarian managers should develop their strategic thinking skills.

This emerged in response to a question in the survey about what should be the top objective for executive development for managers in Bulgaria.

Next on the list were those who find it important to learn how to inspire and motivate employees (27 per cent). The third most important objective for those polled was further input in the ability to attract and retain talent.

(source: www.sofiaecho.com)