Leadership weaknesses holding companies back

Only four in ten companies offer management training despite nearly two-thirds of employers blaming leadership issues for holding businesses back, according to new research.

A report, commissioned by Cranfield School of Management and e-teaching group learndirect, found 64 per cent of employers agreed weaknesses in leadership and management are weighing down on business growth.

In response to the research, which surveyed 554 senior decision makers, the report is calling for management skills to be made mandatory for all Apprenticeship frameworks at Level 3 and above.

Gill Craven, director of service development at learndirect, said: “There’s no doubt the government focus on vocational qualifications, particularly Apprenticeships, is the right one to build a skills base for the UK which is fit to compete in the twenty-first century.

“However, the issue of poor leadership and management is holding back the success of both companies and individuals. With the huge amounts of public funds being channelled into Apprenticeships it makes sense to tackle this issue as well and make management a mandatory element at level 3 and above.”

The report also called on the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills to work with industry bodies to improve UK management, as well as ensuring new government ministers and their shadows receive management training.

In addition, it recommended launching a national government campaign to improve the status of vocational qualifications, and introducing a new duty on schools to provide information, advice and guidance on the full range of vocational options.

Natalie Thornhill