50 percent reported that they have laid off workers, and 46 percent said they have outsourced non-core company functions as the economies have weakened. Survey findings also showed that CEOs are trying to preserve things they consider important to their company's future growth and competitiveness.

For example, 82 percent of respondents said they've refrained from cutting back on R&D, 76 percent avoided curtailing expansion plans, and 76 percent have tried to not close plants or offices.