UK leaders pale in comparison to their international counterparts in their effectiveness, according to research from the Kenexa Research Institute.

The survey of more than 29,000 employees in 21 countries found that India has the most effective leaders, while China, Russia, the US and Germany also ranked higher.

The UK came in at 17 out of the 21 countries surveyed.

Jack Wiley, executive director of the Kenexa Research Institute, says: “According to our ranking, UK leaders lag behind in displaying the necessary characteristics and behaviours. For their own effectiveness – and for the sake of their organisations and the economy – UK leaders should look in the mirror, evaluate their own practices and commit to personal improvement. At the same time, UK organisations should review the approaches they use to recruit and develop their leaders.”