August 23, 2006

For Immediate Release:

Survey: Optimism Continues Strong For Improved Business Conditions

(PRWEB) August 23, 2006 -- DALLAS, Texas -- A recent survey conducted by Randall James Monroe, a Dallas-based global executive search consultancy, suggests that the majority of executives of major corporations are optimistic that business conditions will continue to improve for the next six months.

Survey results compiled for July 2006 indicate that executive optimism with regard to business conditions remains at a high level. This is reflected by 68% of executives believing conditions within their companies will improve during the last six months of 2006. However, this number is down from 79% six months ago, probably indicating a maturing of the current business cycle.

Once again Telecom executives show the highest degree of optimism with 85% indicating that business conditions will improve over the next six months. Seventy-seven percent (77%) of Retail executives indicate improving business conditions for their companies during the second half of 2006, followed by 69% in Manufacturing, 67% in Software/IT and Professional Services, 60% in Financial Services, 55% in Healthcare, 58% in Transportation and 50% in Energy.

Optimism about executive hiring varies by industry. Overall, 35% of executives expect to increase hiring over the next six months – down from 41% six months ago. Fifty-six percent (56%) of Financial Services’ executives surveyed expect hiring to increase in the next six months, followed by 55% in Telecom, 36% in Healthcare, 33% in Energy, 32% in Transportation, 31% in Software/IT and Professional Services, and 29% in both Retail and Manufacturing.

“The majority of executives continue to be confident in the business climate” noted Randall Neal, CEO of Randall James Monroe. “Overall, the findings show that thirty-five percent (35%) of executives responding to the survey believe that executive and senior level hiring will increase during the last six months of 2006. Couple this with a downward trend in lay-offs – 60% of all executives surveyed were comfortable with their current staffing levels – and you have the makings of a steady business climate that should sustain and support continued growth in the economy.”

The survey was emailed to approximately 900 executives working with a cross section of companies in the nation. Approximately 300 responses were registered. For more information about the survey, you may contact Randall James Monroe at 972-392-3200.

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