Just half of UK managers are effective, say their employees

Only 50% of UK employees rate their managers as effective, according to a survey of 22,000 staff in 18 countries.

The study, conducted by the Kenexa Research Institute (KRI), shows that being a "good manager" has a significant impact on the engagement levels of staff and their overall perception of the company.

Employees in the UK define a good manager as someone who keeps his or her commitments, evaluates employees' performance fairly, makes use of employees ideas, quickly solves problems and practices open, two-way communication, according to the survey.

Jack Wiley, executive director at KRI, said: "Effective managers are respectful, considerate and fair, as well as good organisers who can clearly communicate work expectations and provide feedback.

"While this is easy to grasp conceptually, many managers struggle with implementation but for those who get it, there are considerable benefits."

The study showed that employees in India (68%) reported the highest ratings of managerial effectiveness, followed by Brazil (61%), the United States (60%), Russia and the Gulf countries (57%), Canada (56%), China (53%), Germany (51%), the UK coming eighth with (50%).

Workers in France (41%) reported the lowest ratings, with Japan (43%), Italy (44%) and Spain (46%) only slightly ahead.