Sydney, Oct 25 : Australians prefer honesty and integrity to innovation and risk-taking, when it comes to bosses.

A new survey has found that 50 per cent Aussies put honesty and integrity above other qualities in their bosses and leaders.

The poll of 1,200 people, conducted by Newspoll for the Institute of Chartered Accountants, also revealed that only a combined six per cent of those surveyed appreciated innovation or risk-taking.

Other qualities preferred in a boss included showing respect for their staff, 15 per cent, and demonstrating social responsibility, 7 per cent.

The poll was conducted in order to claim nominees for the 2008 Chartered Accountants Business Leader of the Year Award.

Previous winners of the award include Dr Brian McNamee, managing director of CSL Limited and Allan Moss, chief executive officer of Macquarie Bank. (ANI)