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AESC Study Finds Global Human Resources Departments Among Least Digitally Advanced
The worldwide Association of Executive Search and Leadership Consultants (AESC) has released the results of their global survey of more than 600 executive recruiters and leadership advisors from leading executive search firms. The results of the survey, published in AESC’s new report Leading Transformation: Shaping the C-Suite for Business 4.0 Innovation, reveal that departmental silos within organizations continue to create major barriers to enterprise-wide digital transformation.
The survey respondents, all executive search and leadership consultants who advise organizations of all sizes and across industries, ranked Human Resources and Legal departments the least advanced in their digital transformations, while Marketing and Technology departments were ranked the most digitally advanced within organizations. The findings do not vary significantly by geographic region with Human Resources and Legal teams ranking at the bottom across all major geographies.
The survey also revealed the top five obstacles preventing organizations from achieving enterprise-wide digital transformation, including:
- Legacy approaches
- Lack of talent
- Lack of investment
- Resistance to change
- Lack of clear definition
As the rate of Industry 4.0 technologies from Artificial Intelligence (AI) to Robotic Process Automation (RPA) continues to rapidly advance, it is important business leaders understand how to best leverage emerging technologies for competitive industry advantage and the leadership required to foster cultures of innovation. The AESC study also reveals top challenges to achieving innovation, the attributes of leaders who can inspire innovation, the C-Suite roles that must change the most in the new global business environment and how to build an executive talent strategy for Business 4.0 innovation.
For more information, visit https://www.aesc.org/insights/research/leading-transformation.
About the Association of Executive Search and Leadership Consultants
Since 1959, AESC has set the quality standard for the executive search and leadership advisory profession. AESC Members, ranging in size from large global executive search and leadership advisory firms and networks to regional and boutique firms, represent 9,000+ trusted professionals in 1200+ offices, spanning 70+ countries. AESC Members are recognized leaders of global executive search and leadership advisory solutions. They leverage their access and expertise to place, find and develop more than 80,000 executives each year in board of directors and C-level positions for the world’s leading organizations of all types and sizes. AESC raises the visibility of the profession and supports its members through quality standards and best practices; advocacy; insights and education. Learn more about us at www.aesc.org.
