Looking to the future, 62% are happy with the development opportunities to hand, with many general managers hoping to move up to the next level in the coming years, from area roles to corporate office and even CEO positions.
Many, however, said that they were simply looking to get better at their current job, while continuing to be a brand ambassador of the company and striving to obtain a better work-life balance.
Others claimed that they harboured a dream of setting up their own business or consultancy, with one participant hoping to establish a food and beverage consultancy specialising in innovative F&B concepts.
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A major topic of interest was general manager salaries, which overall were similar to last year. While 34% of respondents claimed to earn less than $10,000 a month, two thirds earned over this amount with the majority taking home a monthly $12,000–$12,999.
A lucky 14% earn more than $16,000 a month (compared to 13.8% of participants in last year’s survey), while a less fortunate 7% are paid less than $7999 a month.
While salaries don’t appear to have changed drastically over the past 12 months, and roughly the same percentage of GMs have reported receiving a bonus as in 2013 (75%), more of our respondents this year claim to be happy with their salary (60% this year compared to 48% last year).
Overall, the impression given by this year’s survey is that while GMs are fairly positive about their responsibilities, development opportunities and salaries, there is still uncertainty regarding the region’s ongoing political unrest and a new wave of upcoming competition.
Last year’s Dubai Expo win has created a buzz, however GMs are anticipating tough times ahead with supply gaining ground, and the resulting strain on staff retention and recruitment.
This year, like last, there was only one female respondent, reflecting the continued underrepresentation of females in GM roles across the region.
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Nov 13, 2014 , Nigeria
The GMs survey was a perfect description of what most GMs go through. The responses also represents what obtains in other climes and in Nigeria. The most frightening of the situation is the insecurity and unrest coupled with unstable government policies.