Study: CMOs less optimistic about U.S. economy; willing to spend more on marketing and social media

A recent study by the Fuqua School of Business at Duke University has found that chief marketing officers (CMOs) are less optimistic about the U.S. economy than they were six months ago. At the same time, CMOs are increasing their marketing budgets and their investment in social media, even though they struggle with integrating social media into the organization’s overall strategy. (I’m seeing this trend in my own little microcosm, by the way.)

A total of 528 CMOs responded to the CMO survey, with 86% representing a level of vice-president or above. The survey was conducted between July 17 and August 3, 2012.

See the news release here. Some of the other stats are equally interesting.

Does this survey reflect what you're seeing?