A poll of 2,400 professionals reveals most audit departments fail to develop high-potential employees, risking future leadership gaps.
A recent survey of over 2,400 internal audit professionals found 86% of teams have at least one member whose leadership capabilities are not fully utilized. The data, collected during a July 2026 webinar, highlights a gap in talent development within audit functions.
Nearly 43% of respondents reported having one or two underutilized individuals, while 32.8% identified several. Only 14.2% said their teams had no untapped potential. The survey also revealed a bias toward recognizing charismatic extroverts, with 51.5% of respondents citing them as the most recognized team members.
The findings suggest structural barriers may prevent audit departments from cultivating leadership skills, particularly among less visible employees. The survey did not address immediate market reactions but underscored long-term risks to organizational influence and decision-making.