More than half of executives would start career over in different industry, Korn/Ferry survey finds

When posed the question, the most popular responses by executives were "highly likely" (21 percent) and "likely" (30 percent). Further, when asked if they anticipate making a major career change before retirement, more than three in five respondents (62 percent) consider this "highly likely," with another 26 percent indicating it is "likely."

Despite these findings, two-thirds of respondents (67 percent) reportedly feel they have "absolutely" or "somewhat" reached the level of success they would have anticipated when they began their professional careers. Additionally, more than half (62 percent) would "definitely" recommend their profession to somebody embarking on his or her career.

"It is certainly encouraging to see that so many executives feel they have reached their career goals and would recommend their professions to others," said Metin Mitchell, Managing Director of Korn/Ferry International, Middle East, "We are fortunate enough that in the Middle East market there is the chance for career changes. The plethora of industries that continues to enter the region, and the wealth of professionals available to service more than one, means an individual has more opportunity to expand their career horizons, not only in their base country, but further afield in other GCC countries.

While career change is a plus factor for the individual, it is something the employer needs to address. It is essential that leading organizations address this shift and retain key talent by better understanding the career motives of their executives and creating professional development plans for emerging executives that support these motives.

"We are finding that more and more executives are motivated by the opportunity to expand their knowledge base. Hence, programs that involve the executive in different facets of the organization or promote further education can be powerful retention tools," concluded Mitchell.