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Challenges In Product Management Survey Results

Blog Author: Productside Marketing

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We recently conducted an extensive survey of Product Management organizations around the world.

The results are in and the final report contains data from over 850 Product Managers and Product Management team leaders about the biggest challenges faced in their organizations. The final report also includes recommendations for how to avoid the most common challenges faced.

A few key statistics from the Product Management survey results

49%: Half of companies do not use a consistent Product Management process

49%: Half of companies do not use a consistent Product Management process

21%: One in five products being delivered fail to meet customer needs

21%: One in five products being delivered fail to meet customer needs

45%: indicated that the skill levels of the Product Managers at their company varied greatly

45%: indicated that the skill levels of the Product Managers at their company varied greatly

70%: In companies doing Agile, the majority of Product Managers are Product Owners

70%: In companies doing Agile, the majority of Product Managers are Product Owners

Download Your Copy Of The Report

Share the Product Management survey results with your colleagues and peers in order to further the Product Management profession.

About The Author

Productside Marketing

We’re the team behind the headlines, webinars, and memes that make product management sound as fun as it actually is.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Challenges in Product Management Survey is a global study of over 850 Product Managers and Product Management leaders. It identifies the most common obstacles teams face, including process gaps, skill inconsistencies, and delivery issues. The report also provides practical recommendations for improving product effectiveness and organizational outcomes.
The survey shows that many organizations struggle with inconsistent processes, uneven skill levels, and unclear roles. Nearly half of companies lack a standardized Product Management process, while a significant portion deliver products that fail to meet customer needs, highlighting systemic execution and alignment problems.
According to the survey, 21% of products fail because teams lack clear customer understanding, consistent processes, and skilled Product Managers. Without strong discovery practices, validated requirements, and strategic ownership, teams often prioritize delivery speed over solving real customer problems.
The survey found that in organizations using Agile, about 70% of Product Managers also act as Product Owners. This role overlap can create challenges, as Product Managers may become overly focused on delivery and backlog management instead of strategy, market insight, and long-term product success.
Companies can use the survey insights to benchmark their maturity, identify gaps in process and skills, and justify investment in training and role clarity. Sharing the results internally helps align leadership on the importance of Product Management and creates momentum for improving product outcomes and profitability.

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