Document Type
Dissertation
First Faculty Advisor
Poirier, John
Keywords
corporate ladder; executives; upper level management; CEO; success; managers; Management
Publisher
Bryant University
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to in a succinct manner provide a clear delineation of key factors and primary points for increasing the likelihood of success and upward mobility in corporate America. Numerous facets of the personal and professional lives of corporate executives have been documented, studied, and debated. From the autobiographies of successful individuals such as Jack Welch’s “Winning” to analysis of the widely criticized executives, such as Home Depot’s former CEO Bob Nardelli, the lives of these high ranking corporate managers have been extensively scrutinized. However, despite the numerous studies, and with the study of any behavioral science holding the potential to return an innumerable amount of outcomes, it is obvious that portions of this field lend themselves to further analysis. Since the beginning of my working career, my interest has always centered on upper level management. From wondering how much the store manager at my first job got paid, to pondering the strategic moves of today’s Fortune 500 CEOs, my focus has been on the people driving organizations. Coupling this with my goal to one day attain an executive position, my recent curiosity has turned to how to best position myself to be considered for an executive level management position in the future. To do so, the most effective means appeared to be to interview senior level managers and executives within local companies and see what their experience and success has taught them and more importantly, what information they can pass on to a individual looking to one day earn a similar position.
