There is little doubt that the majority of chief executives of JSE-listed companies believe that technology, especially communication and information technology, will change the world they manage.
In a survey undertaken by Dom P'erignon among CEO`s of South African listed companies, when asked what will have the most significant impact on their businesses in the new millenium, the overwhelming majority (77%) of respondents believe that the IT, Internet, and specifically e-commerce, will have the major impact on business in future.
Of the 680 CEO`s of South African companies approached by Dom P'erignon, 144 responded to the survey, a return of about 21%. This survey follows similar research undertaken internationally by the company for a number of years.
Following on from IT the next items which would impact most on business into the future were cell-phones, other communication media and smart cards thus confirming the high-tech focus CEOs show in respect of what will impact most on their businesses.
Says Mike Minkley, marketing director of Brown-Forman Beverages Africa, the local distributors of Dom P'erignon: "It is clear that these answers have important implication for marketers in general, and especially for issues surrounding tools used in business-to-business communication, general on-line communication and the development of interactive web-sites that allow, among others, for e-trade."
Management consultants may find it startling that only 2% of respondents believed some form of management improvement (other than IT or e-commerce related issues) would have a major impact on their business during 2000.
Opinions on prospects for the rand/dollar exchange rate varied considerably, from less than R6/$ at the end of 1999 to more than R8/$ at the end of 2000.
CEOs are almost unanimous (96%) in saying that they will serve champagne at a minimum of one festive occasion.
As may be expected, the Dom P'erignon survey confirms that many CEO`s are tired, are feeling the stress of their daily lives and see too little of their families and friends. This was also reflected in their Millennium gift wish list: many list a desire for a holiday, more time with family and friends, or other intangibles such as peace, solitude and good health, or a stable government.
Four percent of CEO`s were worried enough about Y2K problems to list a smooth passing into the year 2000 without any problems as their desired gift.
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