Almost a third of UK employees have no confidence in their bosses to lead their company in the digital era, a new report has revealed.
The Advanced Trends Report 2017 surveyed over 1,000 professionals and found that 31 per cent have no confidence in the leadership of their company to create and run a modern digital infrastructure.
This is the second report to be commissioned by software and services company Advanced.
It reveals the state of readiness amongst British businesses in the face of digital disruption and examines the biggest barriers to digital transformation – of which leadership is one.
When asked about the most important attributes for a leader in the digital era, the majority of respondents said leaders should be able to embrace change (82 per cent), think and react with pace (67 per cent) and be able to make bold decisions (57 per cent).
Only 42 per cent felt bosses having a strong digital skill set was important.
“Businesses will not succeed in the digital era without a strong, skilled and admirable leadership team,” said Advanced chief executive Gordon Wilson.
“A lack of confidence will only demotivate employees, thwart productivity and cost businesses money.
“Ultimately, it will leave leaders trailing behind those that do have the leadership attributes to reimagine their business and embrace the opportunity of the digital era.”
Tom Thackray, CBI director for innovation, added: “We know that businesses’ ability to innovate and embrace the digital era is fundamental to the prosperity of our economy.
“It is vital that British businesses have confidence in their organisation’s leadership to deliver digital strategies that will support growth and create new business models for the future.”
The report also found that only 28 per cent of employees describe their organisation as having a modern digital infrastructure, i.e., departments connected through data and statistics to gain insight into operations.
However, 75 per cent of respondents said they were confident in their company’s ability to adapt and embrace change.