Adaptibaility to changing workplace key to success of Indian women professionals: Accenture survey

Over 89 per cent of female professionals around the globe and a similar number of male respondents believe building their ''career capital'' – those differentiated skills that define and advance their careers – is key to success in the workplace.

According to New Accenture research, based on a survey of 4,100 male and female professionals in 32 countries, also found that professionals welcome change and are confident of their ability to succeed in the workplace. 

Accenture conducted its global research study, ''Career Capital'' for release on International Women's Day to present an insight into behaviours and attitudes regarding women's careers and what it takes to succeed in the workplace.

The research seeks to better understand career capital – what are the contributing factors, how do professionals define and work to increase it, predicts workplace attributes and the role of women in leadership in the future and explores career satisfaction and the value of experience and education in the workplace.

''Accenture's recent research ''Career Capital'' found that 93 per cent Indians surveyed believe that Career capital contributes to success in the workplace," said Ramnath Venkatraman, managing director, human capital and diversity for Accenture in India, while presenting the survey. 

He added, "98 per cent male and 92 per cent female respondents are diligently working towards increasing their career capital.''

He further added, ''In this rapidly evolving business environment, leading companies will continue to sharpen and develop their peoples' skills through innovative training and leadership development programs that prepare them for the future. Resonating this trend, Accenture's recent research, 'Career Capital,' reveals that 65 per cent of Indians are preparing more women for senior management roles.''

In November 2013, Accenture conducted an online survey of 4,100 business executives from medium to large organisations across 32 countries - Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States. 

A minimum of 100 respondents from each country participated, with the exception of Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden, where the combined number of respondents totaled 200.  Respondents were split evenly by gender and were balanced by age and level in their organisations. The margin of error for the total sample was approximately +/-2 per cent.