Accounting
The Changing Role of the CIO
When asked what would persuade them to take a new role, CIOs are pretty evenly split. A slight majority (27 percent) say a higher salary holds the most appeal, while 25 percent cite the ability to consult and control their own schedule as a chief ...
May. 21, 2017
Technology executives are making the shift from the back office to the boardroom, according to new research from Robert Half Technology. The survey reveals 35 percent of CIOs today believe their roles are primarily functional versus 44 percent five years ago. About one in three (34 percent) executives surveyed view the CIO role as mostly strategic.
But is the ability to innovate and transform business operations enough to keep tech leaders invested in their jobs?
When asked what would persuade them to take a new role, CIOs are pretty evenly split. A slight majority (27 percent) say a higher salary holds the most appeal, while 25 percent cite the ability to consult and control their own schedule as a chief motivator. The opportunity to be an entrepreneur is attractive to 21 percent of respondents, who would consider running their own company.
CIOs were asked, “Which of the following best describes the CIO role…” Their responses*:
|
Five Years |
Today |
|
|
Functional |
44% |
35% |
|
Strategic |
32% |
34% |
|
Transformational |
19% |
21% |
|
Combination of all three |
4% |
9% |
|
99% |
99% |
|
*Responses do not total 100 percent due to rounding. |
CIOs were asked, “If you were to look for a new role today, which of the following opportunities would you be most interested in?” Their responses*:
|
A higher salary |
27% |
|
To be a consultant or have more control over my schedule |
25% |
|
To run my own company |
21% |
|
To be more strategic |
14% |
|
To change industries |
13% |
|
Don’t know |
1% |
|
101% |
|
*Responses do not total 100 percent due to rounding. |
“The role of the CIO continues to evolve, and fewer companies view the IT function as one that simply keeps technology running smoothly,” said John Reed, senior executive director for Robert Half Technology. “Firms that empower their tech leaders to transform and drive change will benefit by helping their customers, while attracting high caliber IT talent. The best and brightest want to be strategic and contribute on multiple levels.”
The survey was developed and conducted by Robert Half Technology and includes responses from more than 2,500 U.S. CIOs in 25 metropolitan areas.