HP and Cranfield Business School team up to put the DNA of UK businesses under the microscope to help them realise their true potential.
New research reveals that it is the motivation of the person at the top of the company that has most bearing on how a company will operate and behave. The findings from a report by HP and Cranfield Business School, reveals that only 11% of SMEs are 'Go-Getters' whilst more than a third are 'Grazers' who are unmotivated and in business just to get by. Even more worrying, is that over half (53%) of respondents said they were not adaptable to new situations or able to learn new skills.
The report highlighted that segmenting companies according to their owner or manager’s motivation was more effective in assessing ‘blockers’ to success than the more traditional segmentation according to size and segment.
Companies can be segmented into four types, as determined by their managers’ motivations:
Established business that is ‘chugging’ along, despite the apparent loss of interest by the manager. Key ‘blockers’: lack of vision and a tendency to stand still; lack of own motivation is de-motivating staff.
Focused almost entirely on money making – both for the businesses and themselves. Key ‘blockers’: Little focus on employee satisfaction; lack of coaching, training and motivation; reliance on financial data rather than hands-on management.
Being a part of something good is the main motivation of these managers, so the people in the business are important. Key ‘blockers’: Lack of focus on profits – need to invest to grow and keep the business running. It’s fine to focus on the people, but businesses can’t exist without money.
This is the boss that wants it all: money, recognition and happy, motivated employees. Key blockers: Tendency to manage by gut-feel rather than data or facts.
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