RELEVANT INDIVIDUAL COMPETENCES FOR CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICERS ACCORDING TO THE PERCEPTION OF IT PROFESSIONALS

Abstract

In recent decades, major changes in the business scenario were followed by evolutions in Information Technology. Companies faced increasing challenges to align and integrate IT and the business, aiming to ensure that IT supports the development of the business and innovation. In this context it becomes important to study the skills of the Chief Information Officer (CIO). The objective of this research was to identify the skills required from CIOs now-a-days. Initially, these skills were compiled from eight national and international publications, and a classification was developed and refined through a focus group, involving eleven experts from the market and academia. The research led to a list of skills grouped into six dimensions: behavioral characteristics (9), interpersonal skills (5), strategic vision (5), technology vision (5), processes and management techniques (8) and business vision (6). The contribution of the research is the grouping, organization and validation of a set of needed skills for IT managers which are applicable to the Brazilian context. Considering the difficulties in aligning IT to the business reported in several studies, the high cost and complexity of IT and the fact that the modern CIOs increasingly play a role as a senior executives, the results of the study can help organizations understand the professional profile suitable for the employee to take over the CIOs role, so that IT can make an effective contribution to the organization.