Most senior executives at U.S. multinational companies believe the economy is growing and will continue to do so in the future, but despite their optimism, they remain cautious about adding jobs, according to a survey by PricewaterhouseCoopers.
According to the survey of 177 senior executives, 60 percent say the U.S. economy
is now expanding, up from 26 percent in the prior quarter. Just three percent
say the economy is declining, while 37 percent perceive no change.
Forty-two percent of surveyed executives plan net workforce additions over
the next 12 months, up from 35 percent in the prior quarter, and 33 percent
a year ago. But 24 percent expect a reduction. The average net hiring increase
was just 0.3 percent.
More large technology companies (51 percent) than non-technology companies
(38 percent) plan net new hiring. Only 28 percent of manufacturers expect to
hire, and 38 percent plan a net workforce reduction.
