Global Leadership Communication Monitor finds UAE residents have more confidence in business leaders that anywhere else in the world

61% of people around the world see business leaders as focused mainly on the long-term, countering stereotypes that corporations are obsessed with the next quarter's profit.

However, only 34% view business chiefs as effective leaders and 35% as effective communicators, citing open and transparent communication as the most important leadership attribute for the second year running.

In the UAE, the majority (73%) feel effective communication is the key to great leadership. Respondents identified that providing a clear overall, long-term vision (63%), communicating in an open and transparent way (62%) and bringing out the best in others (62%) as characteristics important for being an effective leader.

Poor leadership is directly affecting corporate performance and sales, and this is more apparent in the UAE than in any other market. In the past year, 58% of UAE residents (compared to 51% globally) have purchased less of a company's products or services, and 51% (compared to 44% globally) have stopped purchasing a company's products and services altogether based on the behavior of a company's leadership.

UAE citizens are aligned with global markets citing customer service (44%) and quality products/services (45%) as the attributes most important for a company to demonstrate to be considered a leader.

"Our 2012 survey results showed high expectations of political and business leaders to guide us through any difficult times, both globally and here in the UAE," said Nicola Gregson, Managing Director, Ketchum Raad Middle East, headquartered in Dubai.

"With the state of leadership and communication continuing to have a direct commercial impact, our 2013 study shows that this formula for establishing meaningful, authentic leadership remains as robust as ever and will only grow in importance over the coming decade."

The UAE, consistent with a global average of 43%, feel the technology industry demonstrates effective leadership, followed by the telecommunications industry. Equally, technology and media are considered the most effective communicators, both 47%, compared to global averages of 44% and 41% respectively.

The Ketchum study shows clearly a desire globally for a different breed of open, collaborative, consultative, leadership, which balances leading by example with the humility to admit mistakes. Decisive action is also critical, with tough decision making and calm crisis-handling following immediately behind.

Generation X leaders - those aged 35-50 - are the ones the world has in it's sights to shape the future, (65% UAE compared to 62% globally) and cited as the most likely to navigate through challenging and rapidly changing times over the coming three to five years.