The Qualification and Experience of New Zealand's Key Decision Makers

Abstract

In order to be more competitive, New Zealand's labour force must be more skilled and educated. Having a qualification is seen as a key to getting into the labour market, into employment and into work. Obtaining information and data on what qualifications New Zealanders have and need is relatively easy. But little is known about the distribution of individuals in relation to their qualifications. There have been many claims made that "New Zealand has too many accountants and lawyers in key positions and not enough scientists and engineers". Earlier studies have suggested there is an over-emphasis on accountancy and law as business qualifications. What is not clear is the extent to which other fields of study are represented amongst New Zealand's key decision makers. This paper is based on a comprehensive survey of the qualifications and experience of New Zealand's key decision makers, that is, individuals likely to affect significant decisions made in the private and public sectors within New Zealand. It aims to provide a clearer picture of the extent to which business versus technology related and other qualifications and experience exist amongst senior personnel.