Perspectives

A crisis of confidence

Board survey finds gaps between awareness of crisis threats and preparation to handle them

Awareness of threats is not the same as preparation to deal with them. More than three-quarters (76%) of surveyed board members believe their companies would respond effectively if a crisis struck tomorrow. But less than half (49%) of their companies have taken steps to be truly crisis-ready.

Deloitte’s global survey report, A crisis of confidence, examines the gap between real and perceived crisis readiness in the eyes of board members and the large companies they direct. Respondents offer their insights and concerns about crisis risks and their companies’ level of crisis management maturity.

The report discusses:
• Board members’ confidence in their organizations’ crisis-related abilities
• Perceived vulnerabilities and companies’ efforts to address them
• The role of the board before, during, and immediately after a crisis—what to ask and do
• Practical steps to advance on the journey from crisis awareness to crisis readiness

Download the report

Key findings infographic

About the survey

To assess the state of crisis readiness in large organizations, Forbes Insights, on behalf of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, conducted a survey of more than 300 board members from companies representing every major industry and geographic region. The survey, conducted in the fourth quarter of 2015, targeted companies with annual revenues that ranged from US$500 million to more than US$20 billion (or the equivalent).

Meet the author

Peter Dent

 

Global Crisis Management Leader, DTTL | Financial Advisory Partner, Deloitte Canada

 

Peter has over 20 years of experience working with clients in a crisis management capacity, primarily around accountability, transparency and governance. Peter’s specialties include working with international organizations, national governments and the private sector in post disaster and post-crisis environments, having worked in over 30 countries. Additionally, as the global crisis management leader for DTTL, Peter is responsible for the development of crisis management services that are deployed across Deloitte’s global network of member firms.

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