Executives very willing to relocate for career opportunities

A wide majority of global executives are willing to relocate for the right career opportunity, according to a recent poll.

Overall, a staggering 82 percent of global executives said they are willing to relocate to a different region, state or country. In a recent survey, 47 percent of the respondents expressed an "extreme willingness" to relocate to a different region, state or country, and 35 percent said they are "somewhat willing."

Career acceleration is the primary reason to move, according to 78 percent of the surveyed executives. However, compensation is not necessarily the No. 1 motivating factor that is driving relocation. Nearly half of the global executives -- 42 percent -- say the quality of life in a new location would most motivate them, while only 20 percent chose job title and promotion or salary as the top motivator.

"It is a major life decision to move away from family and friends for the sake of one's career, and there are two significant factors driving this phenomenon," said Michael Distefano, chief marketing officer of Korn/Ferry, which sponsored the poll. "First, there is no doubt that the global recession has taken its toll. Today's talented professionals realize that it's a buyer's market, which is forcing them to relocate to where the action is. Additionally, the speed of globalization is tearing down boundaries at an unimaginable pace. Although the global business community is operating seamlessly around the world, there are still hubs of economic activity which attract the best and brightest."

Only 8 percent of executives reported turning down an international work assignment. More than half of the global executives have accepted an international work assignment; 41 percent have never been asked to relocate internationally. Additionally, 81 percent of surveyed executives have relocated to a different region, state or country during their careers.

Courtesy Tribune Media Services