Gen Z’s Views on CEOs: Power, Pay, and Accountability

ResumeTemplates.com has unveiled insights from a December 2024 survey of 1,200 U.S.-based Gen Zers, shedding light on their perceptions of corporate leadership. The findings reveal strong opinions about CEOs’ power, compensation, and accountability, reflecting a generational shift in attitudes toward authority in the corporate world.

1. CEO Power and Influence
   • 55% of Gen Z respondents believe CEOs have excessive societal power.
   • Key areas of influence include elections, the economy, and policymaking.
2. Compensation Concerns
   • 59% think CEOs are overpaid, suggesting annual pay should not exceed $750,000.
   • Only 7% support unlimited earning potential for CEOs.
3. Perceptions of Value Creation
   • 39% feel all workforce levels equally contribute to a company’s success.
   • Only 20% attribute the most value creation to CEOs.
4. Skepticism Toward Corporate Leadership
   • Over half view CEOs as drivers of corporate greed.
   • 30% consider CEOs as “evil,” showcasing deep mistrust.
5. Attitudes Toward High-Profile Cases
   • Opinions on Brian Thompson’s case:
     • 21% agree that CEOs may deserve extreme consequences for professional actions.
     • 22% believe Thompson’s fate was justified (10% definitely, 12% probably).
   • Regarding Luigi Mangione, 21% support his release, while 51% oppose it.

The survey highlights a growing generational divide in perspectives on corporate leadership. Gen Z demands greater accountability and fairness, questioning traditional notions of power and compensation within organizations. These findings underscore the evolving expectations of leadership in the modern era.