Survey: CFOs Say Workers Generally Innovative, but Report Room for Improvement
TORONTO, Jan 8, 2015 /CNW/ - In today's market, truly innovative brands are delivering revolutionary ideas and products that are changing the business landscape. While all organizations need creative thinking to stay competitive, a handful of companies are much stronger than their counterparts, a recent study suggests.
In the Robert Half Management Resources survey, roughly one in six (16 per cent) chief financial officers (CFOs) characterized their employees as "very innovative." The majority of financial executives (68 per cent) said staff members are somewhat innovative but have room for improvement.
The research also found companies are taking steps to foster innovation among their teams. CFOs reported their organizations provide a range of development options, from training and rewards to opportunities for employee collaboration with consultants.
The survey was developed by Robert Half Management Resources, the world's premier provider of senior-level finance, accounting and business systems professionals on a project and interim basis. It was conducted by an independent research firm and is based on interviews with more than 270 CFOs at companies across Canada.
CFOs were asked, "How innovative do you consider your employees?" Their responses:
| Very innovative – innovation is a strength of our employees |
16% |
| Somewhat innovative – our employees are generally innovative but there's room for improvement |
68% |
| Not very innovative – there are bright spots, but this is a weakness our company needs to address |
12% |
| Not at all innovative |
2% |
| Don't know |
1% |
| 99% |
* Numbers do not total 100 per cent due to rounding
CFOs were then asked, "Which of the following, if any, does your company do to foster innovation among employees?" Their responses:**
| Provide additional training |
68% |
| Conduct frequent brainstorming sessions |
52% |
| Provide interdepartmental cross-training |
45% |
| Bring in consultants for fresh perspective |
40% |
| Offer rewards for successful new ideas |
25% |
**Multiple responses were permitted. Top responses shown.
"Successful companies in today's market value leaders and employees who have an entrepreneurial spirit – these individuals are passionate, curious and driven to find improvements and new ideas," said David King, Canadian president of Robert Half Management Resources. "Companies that effectively cultivate innovation and embed creativity in their corporate culture gain a competitive edge. To enable the most fruitful outcomes, additional training and brainstorming sessions can be implemented to actively solicit new ideas from staff and provide the permissions to take risks and make mistakes."
Noting that two in five (40 per cent) companies look to consultants to enhance innovation, King added, "Bringing in experienced consultants can help organizations break free of pre-existing notions of the way things should be done. These professionals provide the benefit of offering ideas shaped by best practices from a diverse range of companies and industry experiences."
About Robert Half Management Resources
Robert Half Management Resources is the premier provider of senior-level finance, accounting and business systems professionals to supplement companies' project and interim staffing needs. The company has 150 locations worldwide and offers assistance to hiring managers and consultants at roberthalfmr.com and on its blog at blog.roberthalfmr.com. Follow www.twitter.com/RobertHalf_CAN for additional workplace news and hiring trends.
SOURCE Robert Half Management Resources
Naz Araghian, 416.865.2140, [email protected]
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