Executives often regret new posts

More than half of senior executives who change jobs are disappointed with their new position - and up to a third wish they'd never left their old employer.

Research from Hay Management Consultants found that 45 per cent of executives who had moved into senior management roles within the last year said they were not prepared for their new job.

A large proportion of the 247 executives interviewed said they still needed clarification of their role when they arrived at their new job, and more than half didn't feel their role fulfilled expectations. Most blamed business performance and staff capability issues.

"Organisations spend a lot of money recruiting, so expectations about the calibre of senior level candidates are very high. The survey showed that this is an issue that causes executives the most difficulties in their job," said John Drysdale, associate director for executive coaching at Hay.

IT executives are under additional pressure because of issues such as skills sourcing and ebusiness, and Drysdale added that pressure will intensify as IT becomes more of an influential voice in the boardroom.

"Businesses see a solution to their problems as hiring in the right candidate, but the survey shows that it's not enough," he said. "Companies need to create a climate where high-flyers have the power to make them successful. Will you get the commitment from key players, and if not, is there the political will to remove any obstacles?"