CIOs are invaluable during an economic downturn if they
understand how technology supports all the business and can
communicate their knowledge to business leaders.
CIOs are in a stronger position than many other senior managers
to improve their corporate standing as businesses look for IT
leadership during tough times.
But they must be able to translate the benefits of IT in a way
that CEOs and CFOs understand to win the hearts and minds of the
business.
Matt Smith, director of UK regions at recruitment firm
Harvey Nash says that
because IT is ubiquitous in business, CIOs understand how
technology can benefit the whole company. They can use that
understanding to help the business justify investments in IT that
help the organisation as a whole.
"If a CIO understands this, then IT is a business enabler and
not a cost and can become a competitive advantage," he says. "When
there is nervousness around the economy there is more scrutiny
around projects and budgets so you need a water-tight business
case."
Kevin White, content director at
CIO connect, a network of IT directors, has yet to see any
signs of job insecurity among CIOs. They are in a secure position
if they are good at their jobs, he says. "A good CIO has a broad
and informed view of business strategies and processes and has the
IT know-how to deliver. Anybody with these competencies is well
placed to hold on to a job in the current market."
Over the next 12 to 18 months businesses will have to change to
cope with the slowdown and they will need someone to drive the IT
aspects of this more than ever.
The level of Job security within the CIO community is a sign of
the importance of IT to businesses during bad times as well as
good. This value will not wane because change is constant and
business change requires IT leadership.