This paper will have a closer look into social media and its opportunities and challenges for the role of the CIO. In order to do so, the model of Ross and Feeny (1999) is going to be applied on the “social media era”.
No other C-level position had so many changes in the last years and decades as the CIO. New technologies are arising and it is more important than ever before for the CIO to realize opportunities in time and communicate these to other respective executives.
Table of Contents
Introduction
1. About “The Evolving Role of the CIO” by Ross & Feeny and the social media era
2. Forces influencing the role of the CIO – the social media era
2.1. Social media era - executive attitudes
2.2. Social media era - supplier
2.3. Social media era – applications
3. Social media era - the impact on the CIO
3.1. CIO job descriptions
Objectives and Topics
This paper examines the evolving role of the Chief Information Officer (CIO) in the context of the social media era, utilizing the framework established by Ross and Feeny (1999). It aims to analyze how social media technologies influence executive attitudes, supplier relationships, and application portfolios, and what specific challenges these shifts present for contemporary CIOs.
- Evolution of the CIO role across historical IT eras
- Application of the Ross and Feeny model to modern social media
- Analysis of German corporate adoption of social media tools
- Strategic shift of the CIO from functional head to a strategic executive
Excerpt from the Book
1. About “The Evolving Role of the CIO” by Ross & Feeny and the social media era
Ross and Feeny (1999) are investigating the evolution of the CIO role. In their paper a model is presented which is supposed to support their examination. This model proposes three forces which are linked to broader changes in in the CIO role. These three forces,
1) existing and planned applications of technology in the organization,
2) attitudes of senior executives toward technology and
3) characteristics of dominant vendors
do influence the role of the CIO in different eras. However, a successful CIO is not a passive element within an organization. A CIO does influence the forces as well by relationship building and education (executives), by working with dominant suppliers and by managing respective application portfolio within the organization. (Ross and Feeny 1999)
Summary of Chapters
Introduction: Provides an overview of the changing landscape of C-level positions and sets the objective to analyze the CIO role through the lens of Ross and Feeny’s model in the social media era.
1. About “The Evolving Role of the CIO” by Ross & Feeny and the social media era: Introduces the theoretical framework of Ross and Feeny, focusing on the three core forces—technology applications, executive attitudes, and vendor characteristics—that shape the CIO role.
2. Forces influencing the role of the CIO – the social media era: Discusses how social media impacts executive perception, the categorization of social media tools, and the shifting requirements for supply-chain and stakeholder communication.
2.1. Social media era - executive attitudes: Analyzes the growing acceptance and strategic integration of social media in German enterprises based on industry survey data.
2.2. Social media era - supplier: Distinguishes between internal and external social media applications and explores the responsibility split between CIOs and CMOs.
2.3. Social media era – applications: Explores the developmental shift toward linking supply-chain partners and customers directly via social platforms to foster innovation.
3. Social media era - the impact on the CIO: Summarizes the transformation of the CIO role into a more strategy-driven position compared to historical technical eras.
3.1. CIO job descriptions: Examines current professional requirements, highlighting the need for budgetary experience, negotiation skills, and adaptability to rapid technological changes.
Keywords
CIO, Social Media, Ross and Feeny, IT Management, Strategic Leadership, Executive Attitudes, Digital Transformation, Enterprise Technology, Vendor Management, Marketing Integration, Organizational Structure, Supply Chain, BITKOM, Information Technology, Innovation
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fundamental focus of this paper?
The paper focuses on the evolution of the Chief Information Officer (CIO) role, specifically examining how the rise of social media technologies has necessitated a shift in the CIO's strategic responsibilities.
Which theoretical framework does the author use?
The author applies the model developed by Ross and Feeny (1999), which identifies three key forces: existing and planned technology applications, senior executive attitudes, and dominant vendor characteristics.
What is the primary objective of this research?
The objective is to determine how social media influences the CIO role and to identify the new challenges that CIOs face when managing these technologies in a modern enterprise.
What research methodology is applied?
The study utilizes a theoretical analysis of existing literature and models (Ross and Feeny), combined with an empirical review of industry survey data (e.g., from BITKOM) and an analysis of current CIO job descriptions.
What does the main body cover?
The main body covers the three forces influencing the CIO, the distinction between internal and external social media applications, and the transition of the CIO from a functional role to a strategic executive level.
Which keywords best characterize this work?
Key terms include CIO, Social Media, Strategic Leadership, Digital Transformation, Executive Attitudes, and IT Management.
How has the CIO role changed since the mainframe era?
The role has transitioned from a functional position focused on "delivering on promises" to a strategy-driven executive role that requires negotiation skills and the ability to adapt to complex, interconnected software landscapes.
What is the significance of the "Ford Fiesta Movement" mentioned?
It serves as a prominent case study demonstrating how social media can effectively replace traditional marketing channels to reach new customers and create significant brand awareness.
How does the distinction between internal and external social media applications affect the CIO?
The distinction impacts reporting lines and responsibilities; external, marketing-focused applications often involve collaboration with the CMO, while internal employee-focused networks fall more directly under the CIO’s technological governance.
What common traits are found in current CIO job descriptions?
Analyzed job descriptions show that modern CIOs are expected to possess strong communication and interpersonal skills, budgetary and negotiation experience, and a proactive approach to anticipating technological change.
- Quote paper
- Johannes Köck (Author), 2014, What Are the CIO’s Challenges in the Social Media and Mobile Era?, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/378124
