Management qualifications 'growing in importance'

It is growing increasingly important for those who want to climb the career ladder to have a management qualification, new research suggests.

A study by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) found that two-thirds of employers and three-quarters of managers think that this type of qualification will grow in significance over the next five years.

Additionally, the survey revealed that six out of ten employers believe that productivity is increased by qualified managers, while 70 per cent said that a person's professional reputation was boosted by qualifications.

CMI chief executive Mary Chapman explained that managers' desire to learn more was a good sign, saying: "The current low level of management skills is untenable, so it is encouraging to see a thirst for change.

"Significant numbers are looking for training and development as part of their remuneration package and employers should take note of this, because by offering professional development they are more likely to retain the top talent and build for the future."

The CMI was created more than 50 years ago.