Research Methodology

The Accenture 2011 Global Risk Management Study—one of the largest studies of its kind ever conducted—is based on a quantitative survey of 397 companies across ten industries. All respondents were C-level executives involved in risk management decisions at their companies—primarily chief risk officers, chief executive officers, chief financial officers and chief compliance officers.

Organizations were split primarily among Europe, Asia Pacific and the Americas. The survey group represents a wide range of company sizes: approximately half the companies have annual revenues over US$5 billion; one-fourth have revenues between US$1 billion and US$5 billion; the remaining quarter have revenues between US$500 million and US $1 billion.

In addition to the quantitative online survey, in-depth interviews were also conducted with 16 executives whose views are also represented in the survey findings. These interviews enabled us to probe many of the key issues and hear lessons and perspectives of many of the leading companies in their industries.