Top Management

All organizations have specific goals and objectives that they strive to meet. Top executives devise strategies and formulate policies to ensure that these objectives are met. The senior/top level management occupies key positions in an organization. Although, they have a wide range of titles, such as chief executive officer, chief operating officer, board chair, president, vice president, managing directors, chief personnel manager, financial controller, vice president, director, etc; their basic function is to formulate policies and direct the operations of businesses and corporations, nonprofit institutions, governments, and other organizations.

Despite the effects of the economic "slowdown" and September 11, numerous international companies are on the lookout for talented people from India, to fill essential roles, according to a survey conducted by the world's largest search company.

Core Areas of Knowledge and Skills Required by Top level:
The top level of executives constitutes the overall, primary management and performs leadership role in the organization. Therefore, it is critical that these officers have strong knowledge and skills in a variety of areas. However, there are certain basic areas of knowledge and skills, customized to the particular nature of their organization, its industry (service, manufacturing, wholesale, etc.) and the current environment (political, social, economic and technological), that they must possess:

BASICS IN MANAGEMENT & LEADERSHIP

Basic, Entry-Level Skills in Organizational Management Core Competencies for Leading

PLANNING

Business Planning (plan a new business organization, product, business department, etc.) Strategic Planning (establish organizational goals and how to reach them)

ORGANIZING

Human Resources Management Organizing a New Business Re-Organizing a Current Business

LEADING

Leading Groups Leading Organization towards a common goal.

COORDINATIONG ACTIVITIES & RESOURCES (including performance management)

Finances Fundraising Employee Performance Management Group Performance Management Organizational Change Management Organizational Performance Management Policies and Procedures Product/Service Management Program Management Marketing and Promotions and Public and Media Relations

The employers look for:
According to the search professionals, the trio of leadership skills, functional/technical expertise and industry skills top the list of qualities employers seek. Beyond those skills, employers seek out executives who excel in managing or developing their subordinates, cross-functional experts, team players and strong communicators.

Experienced managers whose accomplishments reflect strong leadership qualities and the ability to improve the efficiency or competitive position of an organization will have the best opportunities. In an increasingly global economy, experience in international economics, marketing, information systems, and knowledge of several languages also may be beneficial.