Global Transformation Study Finds Executive Misalignment Slows AI Value Realization, Operational Performance, and Growth Results
Menlo Park, California, June 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — New Protiviti Global Research on change, Benefits of alignment in transformationfound a wide gap between CEOs and technology leaders when it comes to the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on their business and broader modernization efforts, highlighting misaligned leadership as a critical barrier to successful transformation.
As organizations increase their investments in AI, data, and modernization, our findings show that There is a strong correlation between executive alignment and technology maturity.And that maturity gives them greater confidence in achieving transformative outcomes.
A survey of 852 global executives conducted in collaboration with the University of Oxford found that organizations with strong leadership consensus reported: Greater confidence in AI value realization and transformation outcomes.
“Even the most purpose-driven technology transformation strategy can have a difficult time delivering results if management doesn’t agree on what success looks like,” he said. Kim Bozzella, Protiviti Global CIO and CISO Solutions Leader.
Key findings: Leadership alignment and change outcomes
Executive alignment drives successful change
Technology leaders and CEOs report widely differing views on transformation success.
- CIO/CTO Report 61% reliability The results of the transformation and 34% for CEO and Board of Directors
- The trust score is as follows 20% for early stage organizations and exceed 70% of organizations in advanced stages of transformation
- but, Enthusiasm for AI stands out among the executive suite, with 40% of COOs choosing AI as the capability most likely to drive revenue growth.
These findings show that Close alignment across the C-suite directly correlates to greater transformation maturity and greater confidence in performance outcomes..
CEOs and boards are becoming more skeptical about the business value of AI
Despite significant AI investments, many CEOs remain unconvinced by its impact.
- CEOs and boards are only 30% confident that AI is driving revenue growth
- CIO/CTO trust level Doubles at 61%
- Technology leaders consistently report higher confidence than business leaders across AI value metrics
The data suggests that organizations are moving toward: From AI introduction to AI value realizationthe ability to demonstrate the business impact of AI across leadership teams remains uneven.
Data, cybersecurity and workforce readiness remain critical
In addition to consensus challenges, organizations continue to face fundamental barriers, including:
- Data platform and governance Top technology investment priorities
- Employee skills gap It is one of the most cited barriers to change.
- Awareness of cyber threats varies significantly influence the role of executives
These findings support that Successful transformation depends on both leader consensus and foundational capabilities in the areas of data, security and human resources.
Closing the AI coordination gap
To improve AI and transformation outcomes, organizations must:
- define Sharing success metrics that connect technology to business outcomes
- Strengthening communication Learn about AI enhancements, risks, and their consequences across your organization. If companies are unable to adjust their workforce, operating models, and leadership to accommodate changes in the way they work, investments in AI will fall short.
- Adjust your investment strategy With long-term transformation goals
Organizations that bridge the alignment gap will be better positioned. Delivering value from AI, accelerating transformation, and driving sustainable growth.
Access the full report
Download full version Protiviti Global Transformation Survey here. For more information about the study, please contact Kim Bozzella. [email protected].
methodology
The Protiviti Transformation Survey was conducted in the first quarter of 2026 and includes responses from 852 executives around the world. Examine how executive alignment, AI adoption, and modernization impact business outcomes and organizational maturity.
About Protiviti
Protiviti (www.protiviti.com) is a global consulting firm that helps clients transform and protect their businesses and respond to planned and unplanned events. Through a network of more than 90 offices in more than 25 countries, Protiviti and its independent, locally owned member firms provide deep expertise and customized capabilities across technology, artificial intelligence, data, operations, finance, legal, compliance, human resources, marketing, digital, risk and internal audit, enabling organizations to accelerate innovation, avoid risk and protect what matters most.
A Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For® list since 2015, Protiviti Inc. has served more than 80 percent of Fortune 100 companies and nearly 80 percent of Fortune 500 companies. The company also works with government agencies and small growing businesses, including those seeking to go public. Protiviti Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Robert Half (NYSE: RHI).
About Kellogg College, University of Oxford
Kellogg College is Oxford’s largest and most international graduate college, with more than 1,400 full-time and part-time students from around 100 countries.
Kellogg College is a vibrant and diverse academic community that offers a unique experience at the University of Oxford. We welcome graduate students and researchers from around the world, who work across all four of the university’s academic departments and further education departments.
Source Protiviti
