Are CEOs Different? Characteristics of Top Managers

Are CEOs Different? Characteristics of Top Managers

Steven Kaplan, Dan Puchniak

June 13 2016

Prof. Steven Kaplan (University of Chicago Booth School of Business) presents his paper on "Are CEOs Different? Characteristics of Top Managers" at the 2016 GCGC Conference in Stockholm. Discussion of the paper is then presented by Prof. Dan Puchniak (National University of Singapore). The full paper and slides from this presentation can be downloaded here: www.gcgc.global

Abstract:

We use a data set of over 2,600 executive assessments to study thirty individual characteristics of candidates for top executive positions – CEO, CFO, COO and others.

Candidate characteristics can be classified by four primary factors: general ability, execution skills, charisma and strategic skills. CEO candidates tend to score higher on all four of these factors; CFO candidates score lower. Hired candidates score higher than all assessed candidates on interpersonal skills (for each job category) suggesting that such skills are important in the selection process. Scores on the four factors also predict future career progression. Non-CEO candidates who score higher on the four factors are subsequently more likely to become CEOs.

The patterns are qualitatively similar for public, private equity and venture capital owned companies. We do not find economically large differences in the four factors for men and women. Women, however, are ultimately less likely to become CEOs holding the four factors constant.

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