Most international companies expect an economic recovery by the end of the year, according to a survey from management training providers The Ken Blanchard Companies.

The survey shows that 70% are optimistic about the economy rebounding in 2009, while just 25% of the 1,700 executive, line managers, HR and L&D professionals surveyed worldwide thought the downturn would run unabated into next year.

Jim O’Brien, managing director of The Ken Blanchard Companies UK, says: “Only 29% of respondents listed personal layoffs and cuts as their way of dealing with the downturn, and neither are they directing cuts at the traditionally ‘soft targets’ of personnel and marketing.

“Many appear to be looking inward to survive current conditions, with more than 60% planning to invest in productivity and performance-maximising strategies, with another 46% planning to focus on their corporate branding and differentiation.”