Business leaders and organizations are facing a challenging global political and economic picture in 2024, from geopolitical disruption to climate change to the increased adoption and regulation and AI, in a politically uncertain and turbulent year where 76 countries across the world are scheduled to hold elections.
In collaboration with Weber Shandwick, KRC Research conducted a survey of 104 senior executives from global companies from January 22-29, 2024, to assess 2024 priorities for business action across the headline topics that emerged at the World Economic Forum in Davos. Respondents included 104 top global business executives who are leading large multinational corporations (MNCs) with revenue ranging from $500 million to over $10 billion and global operations across the Americas, Asia-Pacific, Europe and UK, and the Middle East and Africa. All surveyed MNCs deliver products (23%), services (30%), or both (47%). Nearly 90% of survey respondents are in C-suite positions, a quarter are CEOs and nearly half are chief officers across major business functions.
We wanted to know if the themes showcased in Davos this year are really what senior executives are acting on across their own enterprises. Key findings include:
- Gen AI is the top priority among business executives (51%) who expect it to have the greatest impact on business operations and performance over the next few years.
- While mis- and disinformation was ranked the number one threat facing leaders today, according to WEF’s Global Risk Report, only 6% of business leaders surveyed say the issue is a top priority and only 1% feel it will impact their business.
- 59% of business leaders believe companies have a responsibility to speak up and act on societal issues even if sensitive or controversial.
- 64% are confident that businesses are taking the right steps to solve societal challenges; however, only 6% are very confident.
