Over a third of managers lack proper leadership skills, according to research conducted by the Make Me a Better Manager website.

Sometimes British industry deserves its reputation for excellence. But there are occasions when junior managers are less than happy with how the top brass are running the show

According to the research, the results indicate a widespread lack of management self-confidence and reveal an alarming gap between how business owners and managers see themselves and how others view them.

The survey suggested that 84% of managers believed they were fair to staff but only 69% of colleagues shared that view, while 39% thought they were good at setting objectives compared to 56% of their underlings.

The MMBM findings are borne out by more extensive research by talent management consultancy ETS and a further survey by Investors in People, which suggested that 46% of respondents did not rate their manager's skills, with 61% saying poor decision-making left them frustrated and 83% saying it damaged morale.

"Sometimes British industry deserves its reputation for excellence," said ETS managing director John Southwell. "But there are occasions when junior managers are less than happy with how the top brass are running the show."

The poll also suggested business owners have more to do to create the right environment for their employees - including managers - to thrive.

Only 54% of respondents agreed that their company treated everyone fairly while just 51% thought that employees were sufficiently involved when the business underwent change.

The MMBM survey also hinted at a level of dissatisfaction among managers in their own jobs, with only 47% saying they were happy with their prospects for promotion.