Signal Managerial protectionism (41%) is the top barrier to reallocating budget and talent

Summary

McKinsey's 2026 survey of more than 10,000 leaders identifies internal resistance as the biggest obstacle to moving budget and talent where they are most needed. Organizational resistance or managerial protectionism tops the list at 41 percent, followed by inefficient and lengthy decision-making at 38 percent. A lack of willingness to make bold decisions is cited by 32 percent and unclear priorities by 30 percent. Missing reallocation mechanisms and an inability to adjust budgets and talent on an ad hoc basis also feature. The report observes some sector variation, with manufacturing and frontline-heavy industries two to five points less agile than TMT and professional services in reallocating resources.