China faces a crisis of a lack of top-level management as companies scramble to find often inadequate managers to fill positions, according to a top recruitment consultant.
With a dearth of quality management potential and thousands of new foreign companies setting up each month, the race to snatch good talent is well and truly on, says Tony Dickel, chief executive of the MRI China Group, which provides expertise in executive search, recruitment-process management, research solutions and training.
'There are basically two big issues which make China different from other markets. The first is demand for management recruits, which is created by factors including China's economy, which continues to grow at a rate of nearly 10 per cent.
'China's one-child policy also means anyone under 28 is an only child and we're starting to see this impact now in mid-level management. People are being promoted far too quickly because of a talent panic. There are not enough coming through to middle-management positions.
'It's only recently been accepted that China's growth is at risk because there will be a lack of senior-level talent within 10 to 15 years.'
Mr Dickel said other indicators to surging demand include the Beijing Olympics and the business being brought with it.