CIOs lack faith in IT teams

Chief information officers (CIOs) are taking a more strategic role in the business, but a growing number doubt the ability of their IT department, according to new research.

Some 76 per cent of 519 CIOs surveyed believe their role has become more strategic, compared with 67 per cent last year, says the 2007 Strategic Leadership Survey – a CIO Perspective, published by recruitment firm Harvey Nash.

Heads of IT are keen to gain more responsibility and widen their remit beyond just the IT department – 66 per cent have already expanded their job scope.

But although most CIOs believe that developing relationships with the business is important, only 18 per cent say their team is excellent at doing it, compared with 25 per cent last year.

Similarly, 63 per cent of CIOs think that managing and delivering IT operations is important, but only 30 per cent believe their team is excellent at it, compared with 38 per cent last year.

‘The role of the CIO has been developing, but the team is somewhat behind,’ said Simon La Fosse, head of CIO practice at Harvey Nash. ‘CIOs must develop the talent in their team and focus on business competencies.’

Further reading:

IT teams must close divide

CIOs must be business and IT experts