The C-suite is major body in any organization.

Alignment of C-suite with organization

strategy and vision plays a vital role in success of any organization. Having said that at the

same time it is observed that there is continuous gap between CIO and CEO of an

organization. In any service and products industry IT department is usually a cost centre and

it leads to support the main sales and business departments. Considering this statement the

main role of CEO is to ensure smooth functioning of an organization and ensuring IT systems

are intact and less costly (Al-Rjoub, H., Zabian, A. & Qawasmeh, S. (2008)). The main

reason of this issue is:

Less understanding of IT intricacies by CEOs

Meeting sales and revenues target of the company
Ensuring IT department just acts as a backbone of company in making systems work
Non-alignment of organization strategy with IT strategy
Non involvement of various sponsors in the innovative projects and initiatives

The above model showcases the interaction and inter linkages between the IT and Business.

This shows if there is any disconnect between these two departments then it creates

misalignment and usually breaks the company.

In order to maintain synergy between CIO and CEO it is most important for any CIO to

maintain dialogue between CEOs and other C-suite executives. Also it is important for a CIO

to maintain communication track among various stakeholders. Below are few ways to address

the issue between CIO and CEO:

 CIO should understand the strategy and vision of the organization. He should make

sure IT strategy is aligned with the overall company strategy.

CIO should have a robust governance and communication model with the business

stakeholders wherein the business needs should be addressed in right forum and in

right timeframe.
CIOs should understand that IT department is a cost centre and should do innovation

which reaps maximum benefits and values

CIOs should enable the business stakeholders with new upcoming technologies and

innovation strategies to enable company growth

In global scenarios business should understand the importance of the IT and

technology and how it can overcome the business challenges.

The main challenge of gap between CIO and CEO is the mindset issues between the various

C-suite executives and IT department. Many IT services businesses have recognized this gap

between the desire to address business issues and problems (reduce cost, create new business

models, implement new business processes, gain competitive advantage, etc.), and the ability

to implement successful solutions using information technology.

Bridging the gap is more critical than ever because rapid information technology advances

have escalated the rate of development of new business functions and new modes of business

operations.
By following above mentioned process, CIOs can make sure IT department is aligned with

the CEO strategy. It will enable CIO to place their innovation solutions and to enable

organization technology strategy (Cone, E. (2008, September 10)).

 Executive Leadership Advisory or
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The alignment of IT department with the organization and its needs will enable thorough

understanding of the solutions and business and will in turn enable business to grow

accordingly.

References

Al-Rjoub, H., Zabian, A. & Qawasmeh, S. (2008). Electronic Monitoring: The Employees

Point of View. Journal of Social Sciences, 4(3), 189-195.

Brooks, R. (2007). The Development of a Code of Ethics: An Online Classroom Approach to

Making Connections between Ethical Foundations and the Challenges Presented by

Information Technology. American Journal of Business Education, 3(10), 1-13.

Cone, E. (2008, September 10). Social Responsibility: Doing the Right Thing. CIOInsight.

Retrieved from http://www.cioinsight.com/c/a/Research/Doing-the-Right-Thing/

Harbert, T. (2007, October 29). Ethics in IT; Dark Secrets, Ugly Truths. And Little Guidance.

Computerworld, 41(44), 34-36.

Jennings, M. (2009). Business Ethics: Case Studies and Selected Readings (6th ed.). Mason,

OH: South-Western Cengage Learning.