The CEO Trust Test – Over A Third Of Would Decline A Job Offer If They Didn’t Resonate With The Company’s CEO

34% of professionals looking at jobs in the UAE would rethink accepting a job offer based on a company’s CEO – even if they ‘liked’ their line manager – with a further 20% stating that they would outright decline a job offer based on who the CEO is.

The findings come from new research from global talent solutions business Robert Walters – unveiling the significant role CEOs and leaders are having on workplaces and professionals in the UAE.

According to the poll of 1,000 white-collar professionals, 60% do not trust the leaders of their organisation to do what is right.

Jason Grundy, Managing Director of Robert Walters Middle East, comments:

“Now more than ever leaders are being held to account for not just the way they run an organisation, but for their actions and viewpoints outside of their day job.

“Whereas in the past an organisation would be viewed as one whole entity, we are seeing a shift toward a more USA-approach where the CEO’s and Founders are essentially the ‘face’ of an organisation.

“What our research reveals is that a CEO can have a direct impact on the attraction methods in recruitment.”

CEO Front & Centre

According to the Robert Walters poll, two thirds of professionals feel that the CEO has the biggest impact on a company’s culture (66%) – with a further 24% stating mid-management are just as influential.

Interestingly just 9% feel that it is the overall employees of an organisation that have an influence of the workplace culture.

One notable example of this was when Sam Altman – CEO of research company OpenAI – was fired by the company’s board and reinstated in less than a week. According to reports, the change of heart by the board was in part driven by an employee-led threat of mass resignations.

Jason adds: “CEOs play an integral role in employee attraction, turnover, and retention because they set the tone for the company’s culture, vision, and values. They are the driving force behind a company’s strategic decisions and their leadership style can significantly impact employee engagement and satisfaction.”

The key to CEO success

Further to findings, over half (53%) of professionals believe that CEOs who ‘lead by example’ bring the most value to a company – whilst a third put CEO success down to being empathetic and a good listener.

Just over a tenth feel that being decisive and taking advice where needed is the key to winning people in the company over.

Jason adds: “Professionals look up to their CEOs for more than just strategic guidance. They want a leader who exemplifies the values that they themselves look-up too.

“Crucially, employees want to feel heard – and so listening to the needs of people, showing empathy, demonstrating integrity, and fostering open communication create a sense of trust and respect crucial for any successful professional relationship.”

“The blueprint for building trust is clear – employees want leaders who are transparent and good communicators who maintain a strong, consistent voice. Who aren’t afraid to play an active role in creating a positive culture.”

Head Start for UAE

According to Edleman’s 2023 Trust Barometer, the UAE is ranked the third most trusted country in the world, and all four institutions the index measures trust in (government, business, NGOs, and media) saw significant trust levels. Government topped the list as the most trusted institution at 86 percent, followed closely by business at 78 percent. In comparison, business is the only trusted institution globally.

The driver of this high levels of trust in the UAE is a reflection of respondents believing that the government, businesses and NGOs are seen as competent and ethical.

Jason adds: “As we have seen over the past 5 years in particular, the UAE is increasingly becoming an attractive destination for professionals who are seeking certain values from their employer.

“We do find in the UAE that professionals tend to have high trust in their CEOs and leaders – largely due to the strong emphasis on loyalty, respect, and trust that is deeply ingrained in the country’s cultural and business norms.”