The Urgent Need for Comprehensive Executive Readiness in Japanese Corporations

A study conducted by GLOBIS, a noted corporate educational institution in Japan, has unveiled alarming insights into the lack of adequate preparation among corporate executives. The survey revealed that approximately 86% of executives felt they were not sufficiently prepared for their roles upon appointment. This pervasive issue highlights not just a gap in readiness, but an urgent need for enhanced training programs to support ongoing executive development.

Background of the Survey

The backdrop to this survey is the evolving landscape of corporate governance, which necessitates effective boards for listed companies. Due to the complexities of issues such as digital transformation, AI strategy integration, and nurturing next-generation leaders, the hurdles that executives face are multi-faceted. Despite this, there is a deeply entrenched belief in Japanese corporate culture that talented individuals can learn and grow into their roles independently. Consequently, compared to middle management, tailored developmental opportunities for executives remain insufficiently structured.

An effective governance structure now requires executive roles to extend beyond specific departments, fostering a corporate-wide perspective that is crucial as business challenges escalate. Thus, GLOBIS aimed to investigate the realities and challenges surrounding the preparation and education executives receive before and after taking office.