Professionals in Western countries are less ambitious and less interested in work than their ‘Global South’ peers, a new global study by Amrop, a leading global executive search and leadership consulting firm, reveals.
“The drive and ambition inĀ India,Ā Brazil, andĀ ChinaĀ highlight a contrast with the aging societies in the West. As Western nations also face a scarcity of qualified professionals, the ambition of their workforce becomes a decisive factor for growth, economic success, and wealth preservation,” statesĀ Annika Farin, Global Chair at Amrop. “Stakeholders should encourage entrepreneurship and foster interest in both professional and personal growth in workers.”
Notably, 92% of Indians and 87% of Brazilians say they enjoy working, while the sentiment is lower inĀ GermanyĀ (71%), the US (69%), and the UK (68%), as well as other European countries. Significant variations emerge in how respondents prioritize their careers: 84% inĀ IndiaĀ assert that a successful career is crucial for a good life, with high agreement also inĀ ChinaĀ (71%) andĀ BrazilĀ (70%). Conversely, only 43% inĀ Germany, 40% inĀ FranceĀ and 37% inĀ PolandĀ share this perspective. In other Western countries such as the US and UK, over half of respondents consider their careers vital for a good life.
India Leads with Impressive Work Ethic and Work-Life Balance
However, divergent work ethics surfaced among Western countries as well, with 70% in the US prioritizing hard work, contrasting starkly with the 35% inĀ FranceĀ who share the same belief. In this context,Ā IndiaĀ leads at 75%, surpassingĀ BrazilĀ (55%) andĀ ChinaĀ (63%). Chinese professionals also lean more towards career over private life. Work hours reveal distinctions: 46% inĀ ChinaĀ and 42% inĀ IndiaĀ are willing to work over 40 hours, while 29% in the UK, 27% inĀ GermanyĀ and only 16% inĀ France, are open to longer working hours. At the same time 73% inĀ IndiaĀ and 59% inĀ ChinaĀ assert that they have a healthy work-life balance, contrasting with 45% inĀ FranceĀ and 49% inĀ Germany.
“This observation is intriguing. Working fewer hours doesn’t necessarily improve one’s perception of work-life balance. If any connection exists, it appears to be the other way around ā professionals willing to work longer hours also seem to have a greater sense of work-life balance. InĀ Europe, especially, we need follow-up studies to find out where these sentiments are coming from, so we know how to reignite the passion for work,” says Farin.
The Lack of Leadership Ambition Extends to Politics
Further results from the survey show that the Global South countries demonstrate a higher aspiration for leadership roles and entrepreneurial ventures. Notably, 76% inĀ IndiaĀ express a desire to run or manage a company, followed by 66% inĀ BrazilĀ and 54% inĀ China. In contrast, the UK (52%), the US (49%),Ā FranceĀ (37%), andĀ GermanyĀ (36%) trail in these aspirations. The global lack of leadership ambition extends to politics, with respondents deeming it the least desirable career across most countries. Only 19% express a motivation to make a positive impact, with 51% prioritizing financial stability and 39% aiming for a specific lifestyle.
Looking at these results, Farin emphasizes a further concern, “In surveying individuals with at least a bachelor’s degree across various countries, our results prompt a crucial question: If most professionals lack ambition for high-level leadership, who will shape the future of economies and societies? Our societies rely on people, their expertise, and motivation. Are we approaching a future where we question not only corporate leadership but also national leadership?”
About the Survey
An online survey was conducted and gathered insights from 8,000 participants, with 1,000 respondents from each of the following countries:Ā Brazil,Ā China,Ā France,Ā Germany,Ā India,Ā Poland, the US, and the UK.
The survey aimed for representativeness across these diverse nations, capturing perspectives from individuals aged 20 to 60 (Gen Z: 20-26, Young Millennials: 27-34, Old Millennials: 35-42, Gen X: 43-60), all possessing at least a bachelor’s degree. Where applicable, reported results represent the top two answer sets (strongly agree/agree).
About Amrop
Amrop is a global leadership consulting firm, offering retained executive search, Board and leadership advisory services. We advise the world’s most dynamic, agile organizations on identifying and positioning Leaders For What’s Next – adept at working across borders, in markets around the world. Established in 1977, Amrop operates inĀ Asia, EMEA and the Americas across 69 offices in 57 countries.
