Retained search consultants around the globe are much more optimistic about the search industry going into 2014 than they were going into 2013, according to the Association of Executive Search Consultants’ 2014 Executive Search Industry Global Outlook Report.

A survey by the AESC found that 64 percent of retained search executives around the globe felt positive about the first six months of 2014. That compares to 29 percent who said the same going into the first six months of 2013.

For the first six months of this year, only 33 percent had a neutral outlook and just 3 percent did not feel positive.

The AESC reported the level of optimism going into the first six months of 2014 is the highest since July 2011.

“The results of our outlook survey are most encouraging and indicate that, in spite of continuing volatility in some regions and sectors, nevertheless there is real evidence of organizations thinking more strategically and looking ahead with a positive mindset,” said AESC President Peter Felix.

The survey included 169 executive search executives from around the globe. Forty-three percent were from the Americas; 34 percent from Europe, the Middle East and Africa; and 23 percent from Asia Pacific.