New Study Details C-Level Perceptions of Human Resources Executives in Western Europe

Economist Intelligence Unit Survey Indicates CEOs and CFOs Value Relationship with HR Leaders but Look for Better Understanding of Business, More Strategic Alignment

• A recent study conducted by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) and co-sponsored by Oracle and IBM looks at the perceptions C-level executives in Western Europe have of their HR leaders and helps identify areas of opportunity for HR leaders to help their organizations meet their strategic goals.
• The EIU surveyed 235 C-level executives, 95 of whom were based in Western Europe, including Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Switzerland and the UK. Fifty-seven percent of all 235 respondents identified themselves as CEOs or the equivalent and 43 percent identified themselves as CFOs or the equivalent.
• The executive summary, “C-level perspectives of the HR function in Western Europe,” determined that many CEOs and CFOs in the region believe that the HR function’s expertise and experience in people issues can help companies make difficult but crucial staffing decisions in challenging economic times.
• The study also determined that executives in Western Europe value their relationship with senior HR leaders, with 69 percent of respondents saying that their relationship is “close and trustful” and 63 percent saying their relationship with the head of HR is “highly valued.”