Leadership in Action: For Global managers, A World of Difference

The Roles of Global Managers

In a multiyear study of four organizations with headquarters in the United States or Europe, the Center for Creative Leadership asked 214 managers located in thirty countries which roles and capabilities were most important in their jobs. Each organization is in a different industry sector: high-tech manufacturing, services, pharmaceuticals, or vehicle manufacturing. Half the managers have primarily domestic responsibilities and half have global responsibilities. We asked each manager to rate the importance of seven role behaviors and eight capabilities to being effective in his or her job.

Managers with global responsibilities view the roles of spokesperson and liaison as important to their jobs.

Managers with ...