Management matters: key findings from the UKCES surveys

This briefing paper forms part of an occasional series which draws on the UK Commission's Employer Skills Survey and Employer Perspectives Survey. The paper explores survey findings on aspects of leadership and management including evidence of demand for management skills, skills gaps and provision of relevant training. It argues that: (1) management skills are lacking: one fifth of all vacancies for management jobs are hard-to-fill due to skills shortage, and this problem is especially prevalent in small establishments; (2) the effectiveness of management and leadership in the UK needs...  [+] Show more

This briefing paper forms part of an occasional series which draws on the UK Commission's Employer Skills Survey and Employer Perspectives Survey. The paper explores survey findings on aspects of leadership and management including evidence of demand for management skills, skills gaps and provision of relevant training. It argues that: (1) management skills are lacking: one fifth of all vacancies for management jobs are hard-to-fill due to skills shortage, and this problem is especially prevalent in small establishments; (2) the effectiveness of management and leadership in the UK needs to improve so that it can close the gap on international competitors; and (3) workplaces in Scotland generally exhibit better use of management practices than those in the rest of the UK. The paper provides a starting point for discussion and demonstrates ways in which data from the UK Commission's surveys can be analysed and interpreted.

Abstract from publisher's website.