Abstract
With the growing significance of artificial intelligence (AI), the examination of a compa-
ny's overall strategic alignment towards the development and use of AI, referred to as AI
orientation, has captured increased attention in the literature. However, the impact of
technology-focused TMT roles on such strategic alignment in U.S. companies remains
ambiguous. Building on Upper Echelons Theory, this study investigates the influence of
chief information officers (CIOs) and chief technology officers (CTOs) on firms' AI ori-
entation by analyzing question-and-answer sections from earnings conference calls.
Based on the premise that IT and AI investments are strongly interdependent within firms,
this study also explores the moderating effect of industry IT intensity. Using a panel da-
taset comprising 3,811 firm-year observations of U.S. S&P 500 companies from 2012 to
2020, the results confirm a positive effect of CTO presence on AI orientation. Unexpect-
edly, no significant effect of CIO presence or a moderating effect of industry IT intensity
on the relationship between CIO, CTO and AI was identified. These findings not only
highlight the strategic importance of the CTO role in U.S. companies but also underscore
differences between CIO and CTO roles. This study contributes to the literature by ex-
ploring the distinct impacts of specific TMT roles on AI orientation in U.S. firms and
identifying relevant areas for future research, such as a deeper analysis of the differences
between IT and AI in companies and the role of AI literacy within the TMT.
Keywords: AI Orientation, Chief Technology Officer, Chief Information Officer, Indus-
try IT Intensity, Top Management Team, Upper Echelons Theory
- Quote paper
- Maximilian Fröhlich (Author), 2025, Only an IT Thing? Leading the AI Agenda: The Role of CIOs versus CTOs in Shaping AI Orientation, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1691838
