How are companies managing in uncertain times?

With talk of a double-dip recession in the United States, ongoing political uncertainty in Australia with a minority Labor Government and unforeseen natural events in New Zealand, companies continue to operate in uncertain times.

The resounding message from Australian companies is one of cautious optimism. There is a certain level of unease in the business community as companies are faced with ongoing uncertainty. While 83% of survey respondents are confident of growth in the next 12-36 months, our data suggests that there is a downward trend with the amount by which companies expect to grow. Companies are far more conservative with their forecasts when compared to 2009-10.

Key findings of this year's report are:

• Organic growth is the way forward for companies to meet their growth expectations.
• Profitability and revenue score highly in Australia and New Zealand as key concerns and focus areas for companies. This is followed by customer satisfaction.
• Australian companies had lost faith in the government in the lead up to the Federal Election. There was a 12% increase in the number of companies who thought the government was working against business compared to 2009-10.
• 62% of New Zealand companies don’t know how to define productivity – almost double the number of Australian companies.