LOS ANGELES, April 7, 2015 — Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY), the preeminent authority on leadership and talent, today revealed results of a global executive survey that paints a less than glowing picture of leadership development opportunities for those in the human resources field.

The March 2015 survey of more than 700 executives found that nearly half of respondents (47 percent) say their organizations do not offer leadership development programs specifically for members of the HR function. For those who do offer programs to this cohort, a full two-thirds (66 percent) say the development is not as rigorous as it is for other functions within the organization, and more than half (58 percent) do not believe their senior HR leaders receive relevant development opportunities to perform optimally in their roles.

'This is the perennial problem of the cobbler’s children having no shoes,' said Korn Ferry Senior Client Partner Arvinder Dhesi. “As the HR function continues to become more complex and entrenched in the strategic aspects of the business, it is critical that HR leaders are offered key development opportunities to help them succeed.”

“In our experiences working with clients, the organizations that have consistently produced strong business results have also consistently invested in the development of their HR talent,” said Korn Ferry Senior Partner Ronald Porter.

The survey also found that nearly half of respondents (48 percent) say members of the HR function are not considered for high-potential programs and 58 percent say there is no succession plan for the CHRO.

“Progressive organizations realize that HR leaders are core to the success of the business and offer them tailored development programs to help them expand their capabilities,” said Ellie Filler, Korn Ferry Senior Client Partner & Managing Partner Human Resources practice. “We find that a mix of ongoing development offerings, such as business simulation assessments, development programs and 1:1 coaching, help prepare HR professionals for challenges they face now and into the future.”

To learn more about Korn Ferry’s approach to developing HR leaders, click here.

Survey Results (728 respondents from March 3 through March 18, 2015)

Does your organization offer leadership development programs specifically for the HR function?

Are the development programs in place for your senior HR leaders as rigorous as the programs for leaders in other functions of your organization?

Are members of the HR department considered for high-potential programs?

Is there a succession plan for the CHRO of your organization?

Do you think your Senior HR leaders receive relevant development opportunities to perform optimally in their roles?

About Korn Ferry

Korn Ferry is the preeminent authority on leadership and talent. For decades, clients have trusted us to recruit leaders throughout the world. Today we are their partner in designing strategies to accelerate business outcomes through talent.