The debate over whether or not IT departments should hand over more control to users seems to be a thorny issue for many technology leaders.

While the rapid evolution of consumer and internet technologies is undoubtedly opening up new opportunities for people to work more flexibly, productively and collaboratively, it is presenting IT departments with big challenges in terms of security and systems management.

Nevertheless, in most organisations the positive argument is winning
the day.

In a recent CIO Connect members’ poll, almost seven out of 10 members agreed that IT departments should pass more control to users.

The word control, of course, could imply a number of things. It could mean that individual users are allowed to choose, own or manage the devices with which they connect to the corporate network, whether physically or virtually.

Control could mean users are able to use the software and online tools
of their choice, or it could mean they are given the ability to develop their own systems, services or processes, largely independent of the IT department.

Among businesses that rely on knowledge workers, IT should be doing all it can to provide staff with the flexibility to carry out their jobs as productively and efficiently as possible, without compromising security, performance or resilience.

The problem is that giving up entral control inevitably means accepting a higher level of risk for the organisation.

Of course, there are steps you can take to minimise that risk ­ such as having clearly defined security policies, effective training and good governance.

But, however you cut it, giving over more control to users means accepting you will have less control within the IT department.

CIO Connect members are fairly clear about the nature of the issues: “Retaining IT function control is too often a job creation scheme for the IT function and distracts from other uses of resource that add value to the organisation,” said one member.

Another commented: “Given the right level of training, the best systems and a culture of empowerment, it should be possible to give a high level of control back to users. What seems to happen, though, is that one of those variables is missing and the opportunity is lost.”

The biggest factor likely to exacerbate the debate over the next few years will be the influx into the workforce of a young, tech-literate and web-savvy generation who have grown up using consumer technologies.

If companies are to attract the most talented people in future, they will have to be able to demonstrate they understand this new world by giving those users the freedom to work effectively ­and collaboratively ­within it.

Nick Kirkland is managing director of CIO Connect, the leading forum for chief information officers and IT executives.