Working Paper: NBER ID: w28959
Authors: Stephen Hansen; Tejas Ramdas; Raffaella Sadun; Joe Fuller
Abstract: We use a unique corpus of job descriptions for C-suite positions to document skills requirements in top managerial occupations across a large sample of firms. A novel algorithm maps the text of each executive search into six separate skill clusters reflecting cognitive, interpersonal, and operational dimensions. The data show an increasing relevance of social skills in top managerial occupations, and a greater emphasis on social skills in larger and more information intensive organizations. The results suggest the need for training, search and governance mechanisms able to facilitate the match between firms and top executives along multiple and imperfectly observable skills.
Keywords: No keywords provided
JEL Codes: J23; J24; M12
Edges that are evidenced by causal inference methods are in orange, and the rest are in light blue.
| Cause | Effect |
|---|---|
| Demand for social skills (J29) | Managerial positions (M51) |
| Firm size (L25) | Demand for social skills (J29) |
| Firm characteristics (publicly listed, M&A) (G34) | Demand for social skills (J29) |
| Social skills (Z13) | Managerial effectiveness (M54) |
| Larger firms (L25) | Demand for social skills (J29) |
| Higher interaction demands (D91) | Demand for social skills (J29) |