Chief Information Officer
Chief Information Officer
The Chief Information Officer (CIO) is the highest ranking IT executive in an enterprise that manages the information technology and computer system. The CIO manages the information system to help the enterprise achieve its goals. A competent CIO requires great technology knowledge, good communications skills, and broad corporate perspective. Generally, the CIO reports to chief executive officer, chief operations officer or chief financial officer.
Origins of Chief Information Officer In the 1970s, as information technology (IT) developed, it played a more and more important role in the operation of an enterprise. At that time, the CIO position emerged and later the importance of this position kept growing constantly. In the 1990s, information technology became a critical resource and the CIO became the logical choice for the chief executive officer (CEO) position. Today, most enterprises in the Global 500 have the position of CIO; it has become an important part of a big enterprise. CIOs connect the business and the information technology. CIOs often identify and adopt new tools and new technology in the production, improvement and re-engineering of the business process, and offer new information to help decision making . All these actions give enterprises competitive advantages. Enterprises need competitive advantages to survive, so they need CIOs.
Position function of CIO CIOs are often members of the executive committee in enterprises. According to Gartner (2005), only a few CEOs considered CIOs as boardroom members. Most CEOs view their CIOs as effective operational leaders, yet only a few view them as full business leaders. There is an opportunity for CIOs to build their relationship with their CEO and other stakeholders—to increase their influence and to enhance the contribution of information systems and information technology. However, Kolbasuk (2005) reported that the perception of CIOs within organizations may be
The Chief Information Officer (CIO) is the highest ranking IT executive in an enterprise that manages the information technology and computer system. The CIO manages the information system to help the enterprise achieve its goals. A competent CIO requires great technology knowledge, good communications skills, and broad corporate perspective. Generally, the CIO reports to chief executive officer, chief operations officer or chief financial officer.
Origins of Chief Information Officer In the 1970s, as information technology (IT) developed, it played a more and more important role in the operation of an enterprise. At that time, the CIO position emerged and later the importance of this position kept growing constantly. In the 1990s, information technology became a critical resource and the CIO became the logical choice for the chief executive officer (CEO) position. Today, most enterprises in the Global 500 have the position of CIO; it has become an important part of a big enterprise. CIOs connect the business and the information technology. CIOs often identify and adopt new tools and new technology in the production, improvement and re-engineering of the business process, and offer new information to help decision making . All these actions give enterprises competitive advantages. Enterprises need competitive advantages to survive, so they need CIOs.
Position function of CIO CIOs are often members of the executive committee in enterprises. According to Gartner (2005), only a few CEOs considered CIOs as boardroom members. Most CEOs view their CIOs as effective operational leaders, yet only a few view them as full business leaders. There is an opportunity for CIOs to build their relationship with their CEO and other stakeholders—to increase their influence and to enhance the contribution of information systems and information technology. However, Kolbasuk (2005) reported that the perception of CIOs within organizations may be
References: Banker, R., Hu, N., Pavlov, P., Luftman, J. (2011). CIO Reporting Structure, Strategic Positioning, and Firm Performance. MIS Quaterly, 35, 487-504. Buell, J. (2011, May/June). Elevate IT Make It Central to Your Long-Term Strategy. 8-16. Pereira, R. (2011, June). Long Live The CIO. Credit Union Magazine. 72. Baya, V., Gruman, G. (2010). Making The Extensible Enterprise A Reality. PriceWaterhouse Coopers Technology Forecast. 26-43. Allison, D., (Research Bulletin 2010). The Future CIO: Critical Skills and Competencies. Educause Center for Applied Research. Gottschalk, Peter. CIO and Corporate Strategic Management: Changing Role of CIO to CEO. Hershey: IGI Global. 2006. Print.