Characteristics associated with CEO success: perceptions of CEOs and their staff

Abstract

Purpose

The paper seeks to identify the characteristics that successful CEOs possess and demonstrate, as perceived by both the CEOs and their staff.

Design/methodology/approach

Twenty CEOs and 38 staff members who reported directly to them were involved. There were two parts to the research – questionnaire and interviews. The leadership questionnaire was completed by both groups, who were then interviewed to further explore the characteristics these successful CEOs did possess and demonstrated.

Findings

Characteristics identified as important for success were a humanistic approach, achievement orientation, a positive outlook, a sense of integrity, inclusiveness and learning and self‐awareness. Both the CEOs and their staff agreed that the CEOs did possess all these characteristics, some to a greater extent than others. They also agreed that the six characteristics were effectively demonstrated by the CEOs.

Research limitations/implications

To date, research on the characteristics that CEOs need to possess has been very limited. This study was the first to take a comprehensive approach to identify the characteristics CEOs need to possess and did demonstrate. It is also one of the few studies that has involved both CEOs and their staff. As this was an exploratory study, it is important that it be replicated in a larger population of CEOs.

Practical implications

The characteristics identified in this paper can be used to select and develop CEOs.

Originality/value

The paper would be of value to future CEOs and to those charged with the responsibility for the selection and development of CEOs.

Citation

Wood, J. and Vilkinas, T. (2007), "Characteristics associated with CEO success: perceptions of CEOs and their staff", Journal of Management Development, Vol. 26 No. 3, pp. 213-227. https://doi.org/10.1108/02621710710732128