The Changing role of CIOs: from Technologists to Business Strategists and the challenges of this new role.
Name: Awa Ikoro
Word count: 1,992
Abstract:
This paper examines the role of the Chief Information Officer (CIO) in an organisation, and how it is changing from technology and IT-specific to that of a strategist and business developer over the years and how this fits with the strategic business objectives of organisations, drawing from examples from different organisations in different sectors of the economy. It equally highlights the challenges facing CIOs in accomplishing these roles, thereby realigning the different roles of the management team. The paper concludes by recommending how to make the role of the CIO more effective in the developing business models.
Introduction:
CIO is a term that emerged in the 1970s as a result of the increased importance placed on ICT by organisations. (Rockart, 2000; Stephens and Ledbetter, 1992; Gottschalk, 1999). In a traditional business setting, the CIO plays the role of the IT Manager, ensuring the smooth operation of the organisation’s IT infrastructure and strict adherence to its IT code of practice. Broadbent and Kitzis (2005) have defined the CIO as the most senior executive responsible for identifying information and technology needs and then delivering services to meet those needs. In a business environment characterised by constant change and global opportunity, success is determined by an organisation’s ability to diagnose market unpredictability and risks and create platforms to adapt to these changes. Rather than react to change as it occurs, business leaders move proactively and aggressively toward new business d ...