Diageo CIO encourages mutiny in the workplace

IT departments must be prepared to give in to user demands for better gadgets

The CIO at drinks giant Diageo says staff need to mutiny to drive business change.

Speaking at the Gartner Business Intelligence Summmit 2011, Brian Franz, global CIO and business process director at the company, known for brands including Smirnoff, Baileys, Guinness and Johnnie Walker, said that thinking differently is key to the success of the business.

"It's useful to have a bit of a mutiny at work," Franz said.

But the challenge for organisations is how to manage that mutiny without damaging the business.

Staff are used to the best technology at home but at work they have to live with the security and monitoring systems that protect business data, he said.

"I have all the latest technology at my fingertips at home, the latest devices, including a smartphone and iPad and a fast always-on internet connection. But at work generally the hardware is lower spec and the security software often makes it even slower," he said, adding that employers can encourage innovation by providing staff with the best technology.

Investing in better equipment and support for employees should result in a measurable increase in performance, Franz argued.

"Employee satisfaction is related to how easy their technology is to use, and how well you meet their needs. Much as you might want to take cost out, it's necessary and required investment," he added.