Companies more willing to make senior management changes

Firms seeking right leadership in an uncertain economy

NEW JERSEY – Unlike immediately after 9/11, companies are now more willing to make top management changes, even in light of an uncertain economy, say a majority of more than 160 senior executives responding to a poll by Michael D. Zinn & Associates, an executive search firm specialising in the recruitment of senior-level corporate executives.

"This indicates that companies are not yet in survival mode," says Michael Zinn, president of the firm. "They believe that with the right leadership in place, they can still improve their standing within their industry and markets."

People at the top make a difference in corporate performance. "By putting the right people in place, an organisation can differentiate itself and improve its market position," adds Zinn. "For example, companies should now be looking for people who can focus on productivity with an eye towards improving the bottom line. This is especially important because of a limited ability, in general, to increase prices to grow revenue."

Though the economy in the US is being hit with high prices for food and energy, and a stubborn credit crisis that is having a negative impact, more than half the respondents polled are upbeat and positive about the need for their organisation to continue to move forward. "They are not waiting for the uncertainties in the economy to settle down prior to making major moves at the upper levels of their organisations," concludes Zinn.