The importance attached by project managers to project success criteria and the associated rates of project success were assessed for different types of projects, industries and traits of project managers. 959 responses to a web-based survey showed that importance attached to project success criteria and project success rates differ by industry, project complexity and the age and nationality of the project manager. However, the underlying criteria are different and are explained herein. Modeling the relationship between importance assigned to success criteria and reported project success against these criteria showed a link between importance and actual achievements. Managerial and theoretical implications are discussed.