How to grow a CEO

Article Abstract:

The development of executives by multinational corporations has been the subject of several recent studies. A survey of 41 British companies conducted by the University of Birmingham found that the training of most executives comes in the form of 'accidental and unstructured' experiences. A study of 1,500 multinational executives conducted by Robert Garratt found that most directors are not prepared to run corporations, and that executives compensate for this inability by either pretending to be competent or by using skills learned in previous, more specialized positions, often to the detriment of the company. A report by the Conference Board suggests that executives need to rely more on other senior managers. The ability to lead and to build a consensus among key managers is a critical executive skill. Progressive companies are trying to develop this skill through on-going training and careful succession planning.

Analysis, Officials and employees, Training, Chief executive officers, Great Britain

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Multinationals and the media: time to lift the veil

Article Abstract:

The cases of Perrier, Sandoz, and Air Canada illustrate the fact that international businesses need to create long-term media relations strategies in order to transmit information through the media to audiences, thus minimizing distortion by the media during crises. Perrier's handling of the contamination of its product by benzene was a media relations disaster: the company had no long-term strategy for dealing with the media during such a crisis, and its improvisations hurt the company's reputation. Both Sandoz and Air Canada implemented successful internal and external communications policies that added to the value of their bottom line only after dealing with crises for which they were ill prepared. By keeping the public well informed during a crisis, companies minimize media distortions and preserve their reputations with major audiences.

Public relations, Air Canada, Source Perrier S.A., Sandoz AG

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Multinationals and business schools: ties grow closer

Article Abstract:

Business schools in Western Europe are increasingly focusing on executive education and consulting, rather than on MBA programs. The trend is away from academia and toward closer ties with industry and business. Business schools in Western Europe are no more than 30 years old. They have never had a strong emphasis on MBA programs, since businesses prefer to hire people with undergraduate degrees. In Britain, 60 percent of the top corporations chose not to hire MBAs in 1983. In the U.S., business schools recognize the need to get closer to 'customers' through more executive courses and programs, but are unwilling to change their academic emphasis.

Innovations, Conglomerate corporations, Management, Social policy, Study and teaching, Business education

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