(The Conference Board: New York) -- According to the results of The Conference Board survey “CEO Challenge 2011,” CEOs around the globe cite business growth as the most critical challenge they face. In this year’s survey, more than 700 CEOs, presidents, and chairpersons from across geographies and industries identified the most pressing issues they face in today’s business environment.

More than ever before, business leaders are turning to new ideas, products, customers, and markets to fuel growth and drive innovation. However, a key to accelerated growth is the quality function.

According to “Answering the 2011 CEO Challenge: Accelerating Growth Through Quality,” a follow-up report to the CEO Challenge, global executives report that the quality function is uniquely positioned to accelerate growth through better execution and alignment. Quality also provides the voice of the customer that is critical for developing the innovative products and services that will sell in the marketplace.

The report is based on sessions from The Conference Board Quality Council, interviews, and other research.

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