According to the Grant Thornton Survey of Middle-Market Business Leaders, nearly three-quarters (74%) of middle-market business leaders believe it is more important today for employees to understand what needs to be done for the company to succeed. To enhance that understanding:

• 82% are focusing on consistent communications
• 81% are establishing realistic expectations for employee performance

More than half (52%) say they are taking immediate steps to better allocate resources by deselection – focusing exclusively on initiatives that will be most profitable, according to Grant Thornton, a global accounting, tax, and business advisory organization dedicated to serving the needs of middle-market companies.

Competition Heats Up

Nearly all (94%) of survey respondents say that competition is as intense as – or more intense than – a year ago. Contributing to that pressure, respondents cited:

• 89% – a greater focus on price
• 82% – more knowledgeable customers
• 81% – less client loyalty

Boding well for future business investment, 84% of middle-market business leaders have invested – or plan to invest – in new technology (58% and 26%, respectively).

To order a printed or PDF version of the report, visit Grant Thornton’s Web site at www.grantthornton.com/blcsurvey