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Factum Global Business Sentiment Survey ~ FAQs Q3 2023

November 8, 2023

Factum Global Business Sentiment Survey ~ FAQs Q3 2023

November 8, 2023

1. What is the Factum Global Business Sentiment Survey?

The Factum Global Business Sentiment Survey is a global survey of executives (from the C-suite to middle managers) that measures and tracks sentiments on global business.

2. How often will the survey be conducted?

The survey will be conducted bi-annually.

3. Why was the Factum Global Business Sentiment Survey created?

The Factum Global Business Sentiment Survey was created to measure international business sentiments of executives around the world and to contribute original research to aid in decision making for those working internationally.

4. What is the significance of the Factum Global Business Sentiment Survey?

The Factum Global Business Sentiment Survey provides valuable insights into the outlook and confidence levels of business leaders around the world. As a biannual survey tracking the perspectives of executives across industries and regions, it offers a unique gauge of how global executives view the state of global business and what it means for their organization. The survey data offers policymakers, investors, and business analysts timely intelligence to inform strategic decisions and planning.

5. Are there other surveys conducted on the outlook for global business?

Yes, other surveys may exist but the Factum Global Business Sentiment Survey has varied questions and presents unique data from a different universe of executive respondents around the world.

6. What types of questions were asked in the survey?

The questions were based on five key indicators that measure respondents’ perceived morality, risk tolerance, globalization business plans, global organizational performance, and macroeconomic expectations.

Questions included the following:

  • How does the respondent feel about the world of global business?
  • Does the respondent have a positive view on their organization’s performance globally?
  • Does the respondent think it is too risky for their organization to continue or increase business with international counterparts?
  • Does the respondent’s organization have plans to continue or increase international activities in the next 6 months?
  • Based on how respondents view the current global economy will fare in the next 6 months, is international business good for the respondent’s organization?

7. Where there any topical questions different from past surveys?

Yes, a topical question was added to gauge executive sentiments on the future of global business and sustainability.

Responses aim to reflect:

  • whether additional sustainability initiatives will positively/negatively impact organizational growth;
  • if the impact of climate change, economic volatility, and geopolitics on international business have encouraged/discouraged respondents to include sustainability initiatives into their global growth strategy;
  • if sustainability initiatives adopted by competitors will positively/negatively impact respondents’ organizational growth;
  • if global growth will remain the same for respondents’ organization, regardless of sustainability initiatives and pressures.

8. How many people answered the survey?

201 people answered the survey, with 139 executive leaders fully completing the survey.

9. Who answered the survey?

Respondents have some experience in international business and represented a comprehensive range of regions, industry sizes and seniority levels.

Seniority levels included: C-Suite Leadership/Board Member (45%), Executive/Senior Management (29%), and Director/Middle Management (26%).

Of those who voluntarily provided their organizational information, 80.3% came from executive leaders in small and medium sized enterprises (< 1,000 employees).

36% were US-based, and 64% were headquartered in over 30 countries from regions including North America (38.84%), Asia-Pacific (24.79%), Europe (21.49%), South America (8.26%), Oceania (3.31%), Sub-Saharan Africa (2.48%), and Middle East North Africa (0.83%).

10. How was the survey administered?

The survey was administered online and distributed globally.

11. Was the survey answered by people outside the United States?

Yes, 64% of respondents were based outside the U.S.

12. What is the Factum Global Business Sentiment Index?

The total Factum Global Business Sentiment Index score measures executive sentiment, on a scale of -1 (most negative) to 1 (most positive), based on five key indicators that measure respondents’ perceived morality, risk tolerance, globalization business plans, global organizational performance, and macroeconomic expectations.

13. How was the Factum Global Business Sentiment Index calculated?

To calculate the Factum Global Business Sentiment Index, responses to the five key business-oriented variables are organized in graded polarity categories to include varying levels of positive and pessimistic sentiment and then normalized based on total complete, unique responses. To adjust for differences in response rates, the data is weighted based on the relative distribution of responses by either role or region to total complete, unique responses. Complete, unique responses indicate that respondents have fully answered all required questions but may not have shared their contact or company information.

14. When was the Factum Global Business Sentiment Survey first launched?

The first survey was launched in August 2022.

15. What is Factum Global?

Factum Global is an international consulting firm that helps organizations expand globally. With over 100 years of combined global expansion experience, our team disrupts the status quo through a company model that brings you transparency, personalized executive-level service, and a proven roadmap to accelerate your organization’s growth. Whether it’s launching into a new market, establishing a local office, or navigating tax laws — we will guide you every step of the way. We work with organizations to create a global strategy and connect them with the world. For more information, visit FactumGlobal.com.

16. Which organizations collaborated with Factum Global on the Q3 2023 survey?

Global Chamber, the Festival of the Diaspora, and Illustra Impact.

17. What is Global Chamber®?

Global Chamber® is a growing and collaborating virtual community of CEOs, executives and leaders in 525 metro regions around the world – everywhere! We’re the only chamber of commerce operating in hundreds of locations that helps exporters, importers and investors in every market segment connect to new clients, partners, projects and resources anywhere through a database of over 100 million trusted people via warm introductions, AI-match making, training, events and more. For more information, visit GlobalChamber.org.

18. What is the Festival of the Disaspora?

The Festival of the Diaspora is a global nonprofit event that aims to celebrate and connect humanity by encouraging inclusivity. As Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility and Disability (DEIA&D) efforts have been making waves across the global landscape, the Festival  aims to accelerate its impact by focusing on the outcome we seek to achieve – a world where EVERYONE Belongs and enjoys equitable opportunities to Thrive. The Festival was founded by Aspen Institute executive and White House Fellow, Cordell Carter. For more information, visit festivalofthediaspora.org.

19. What is Illustra Impact?

Illustra Impact is a sustainability-focused consulting firm that partners with leaders to create and implement strategies, systems, and cultures that drive and inspire transformational social impact. The firm was founded by sustainability expert Whitney Buchmann, Founder & CEO. For more information, visit illustraimpact.com.