Research finds New Zealanders lack business acumen. Photo / Supplied
Business acumen is more than just financial literacy; it's people skills, business smarts and a passion for what you do, says an organisational psychologist.
Muritai21 partner Cynthia Johnson says research shows business acumen is a rare quality in New Zealanders. But there is no clear-cut definition. Johnson and University of
Canterbury adjunct professor of psychology Derek Roger have spent the past year researching what business acumen means to New Zealand's top business leaders.
According to their findings, it is made up of three different attributes.
Understanding how the organisation works and makes money: Johnson says a lot of people see this as financial literacy, but it is more than this.
The people factor: People who are able to build and maintain relationships with customers, colleagues and managers.
