In stark contrast to 2010 where satisfaction levels were largely similar across small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) and enterprises, in 2011, companies which showed the highest levels of satisfaction with their business performance were those with between 200 and 999 employees.

While these companies are seeking opportunity, they are less optimistic about the economic outlook and have become conservative about their ambitions for growth. On the other hand, organisations with between 50 and 199 employees continue to be aggressive with their ambitions for growth and their expectations of technology. 

These are the findings of the second annual Ambition Gap Survey, a barometer of Singapore businesses’ confidence in their ability to grow to meet the needs of both domestic and global economies. The survey was launched by consumer electronics firm Canon.

“At this critical juncture, companies need to understand the opportunity that lies ahead of them,” said Lim Kok Hin, Vice President, Business Imaging Solutions Group, Canon Singapore.  “We recognise that technology alone is not enough. You must have the right people, equipped with the tools and processes to make smarter decisions, to drive your business forward, and the technology in place that helps them work faster.” 

Noted Venu Reddy, Vice President, AMI Partners,”Findings from the 2011 Ambition Gap survey showed that larger companies, with their relatively high exposure to global economy, have been conservative with their goals and expectations. Smaller companies, more aggressive due to their dependence on the stronger local economy, are more aggressive with their growth targets and thus exhibit a greater Ambition Gap.”