Indian CEO Survey: Highlights

PwC-BS CEO Summit 2013: A curtain raiser

• At 90% (81%), Indian CEOs are somewhat or very confident of growth in the next 12 months. A massive 63% (36%) are very confident - only their Russian counterparts are more confident
   
• 97% (90%) of Indian CEOs are confident of growth over the next three years, and an astonishing 85% (46%) are very confident - by far the greatest percentage in the world
   
• 38% (18%) of Indian CEOs anticipate the global economy will improve over the next 12 months - the most optimistic in the world. Only 16% (28%) believe it will decline
   
• 41% (49%) of Indian CEOs feel their company's growth in the next 12 months will be driven by organic growth in the existing domestic and overseas markets
  

A SNAPSHOT OF THE MOOD OF GLOBAL CEOS

 

When asked to name the countries most important to them for their growth in the next 12 months, 47% named the US, 23% China and 18% Canada
 

45% (51%) cited growing their customer base as their key priority, followed by implementing new technology, enhancing customer service; R&D and innovation
 

The top four potential economic and policy threats highlighted by Indian CEOs: protectionist tendencies of national governments: 77% (51%), exchange rate volatility, government response to fiscal deficit and debt burden, bribery and corruption
 

Of business threats, 81% (58%) cited the availability of key skills, 75% (35%) the inadequacy of basic infrastructure, and 75% (62%) the increasing tax burden

(Click here for graphic)
 

Only 7% (16%) of Indian CEOs see a break-up of the Euro zone as likely, with 37% (45%) seeing it as unlikely, and 53% (38%) not sure
 

92% (64%) of Indian CEOs see the need to increase capital investment in the next year; 82% (62%) anticipate making changes in the way they manage risk
 

60% (77%) of Indian CEOs have implemented cost-cutting measures in the past 12 months, and only 53% (70%) expect to do so in the coming year
 

26% (31%) have outsourced a business process or function; 26% (36%) have entered into a new strategic alliance or joint venture, and 29% (47%) plan to do so

 

Indian CEOs' target regions for M&A/ alliances include North America - 44% (30%), South Asia - 22% (11%), South-East Asia - (19%) (23%)
 

A massive 62% (48%) of Indian CEOs increased headcount last year, with only 10% (25%) cutting their work force - the lowest percentage in the world
 

In the coming year, an astonishing 74% (45%) expect to boost headcount. Only 9% (23%) say they are likely to shed jobs - again, the fewest in the world
 

Indian CEOs are trying to improve their engagement with creditors and investors - 95% (68%); employees - 94% (77%), vendors - 89% (78%), and customers

 

Indian CEOs feel the government should do more to improve India's infrastructure, reduce poverty and inequality, create a skilled workforce and secure natural resources.

(Note: Global figures are in brackets)