ILM concerned by news that one in three graduates feel 'stifled and undervalued' by senior managers
07 July 2009
The Institute of Leadership & Management (ILM) expressed concern this morning as new figures reveal that graduate employees lack confidence in their senior managers and feel their innovation and creativity is being stifled.
The survey, released to coincide with the Association of Graduate Recruiters’ Annual Conference, was undertaken on behalf of Real Prospects 2009 and received responses from 24,500 graduates, almost half of whom believe that their organisation is poorly managed.
Penny de Valk, ILM’s Chief Executive, said: “These new figures are of real concern, particularly at a time when senior managers should be cultivating their brightest young talent to help drive the business forward.
“Employers can’t afford to let the development of talented graduates and junior members of staff drop, especially in tough times. Investment in training and development reaps huge rewards, including an increase in loyalty and productivity.”
The survey also suggests that half of graduates want more opportunity to innovate, something ILM believes organisations must harness.
De Valk added: “These views are the norm for ‘Generation Y’, and employers have to accept and work with them rather than battle against them. Our own research shows the ability to adapt and develop creative and positive solutions is a very important characteristic, particularly in this economic climate when organisations need to stay ahead of the curve. People – especially ambitious young graduates – feel undervalued when they aren’t listened to or their opinions appear to go unnoticed. Employers that underestimate Gen Y are likely to feel the consequences when the recession lifts.”
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For further information or interviews with Penny de Valk, please contact: Rebecca Griffiths or Amy MacLaren at Colman Getty on 020 7631 2666 or rebeccagriffiths@colmangetty.co.uk / amy@colmangetty.co.uk
Notes to editors:
The Institute of Leadership & Management (ILM) is Europe’s leading management organisation. ILM partners with more than 90,000 individuals and organisations each year to help them fulfil their potential and achieve success through its wide range of flexible leadership and management development solutions.
From industry-leading qualifications and membership services to specialist learning resources, all ILM products and services are built on in-depth research and benchmarked against best practice standards. Supporting a fast-growing community of over 30,000 practising leaders and managers, ILM’s membership services are designed to provide ongoing continuing professional development throughout every stage of a manager’s career.
Backed by an in depth programme of thought leadership research, ILM operates internationally, improving leadership and management skills, knowledge and outputs across all sectors, from financial services to the armed forces. http://www.i-l-m.com/