Director Sentiment Survey report 2021

The Institute of Directors and ASB are pleased to release the 2021 Director Sentiment Survey report.

The report provides a valuable snapshot of how directors are feeling about their operational and strategic environments, as well as the broader economy. 

This year a mounting skills shortage, border restrictions and vaccine efficacy were top of the list of issues causing concern for directors in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Key findings

Economic performance. 29% of directors expect economic performance to improve in the next 12 months, up from 24% in 2020. 

Business confidence. 54% expect their organisation’s performance to improve in the next 12 months, up from 50% in 2020. 

Demand for talent escalating. 57% of directors said that labour quality and capability is one of the biggest impediments to national economic performance, up from 32% in 2020. Further, 30% said that labour quality and capability is the single biggest risk facing their organisation, up from 14% in 2020.

Climate action. 48% of directors said their board is engaged and proactive on climate risks and practices in their business (up from 35% in 2020).

The Director Sentiment Survey is brought to you by the Institute of Directors and ASB.