Walking the board room tightrope: A CIO Perspective

MUMBAI, INDIA: Ever since the IT decision making process has reached the board room, it has created the proverbial rift between the CIO and the CFO. The common bane of contention is that while the CIOs are often surpassed in the decision making process; the CFOs show little interest in the functioning of the IT organization, which for them is a cost center.

Does this mean that the CIOs are unhappy with the development, and feel threatened?

“Absolutely not!” insists Samiran Ghosh, Asia Technology Leader, Dun & Bradstreet.

According to him, CXOs bring a lot of value at the discussion table; the trouble starts only when their expectations do not ally with the demands of the business outcomes. A CIO, on his part, also has to evolve with changing times, he suggests.

The CIO Dilemma:

Everybody believes he is an expert.

States Ghosh, “It is incumbent upon each CXO to know what they want. “Your inputs should not come out of the last workshop you attended.”

The love-hate relationship with CFO:

The maturity of an IT organization reflects on the maturity of the CFO, and his perception of IT.

The position of a CIO in an organization's hierarchy tells you the importance of IT in the organization Since IT is a cost center in most organizations, the COO usually ranks the CIO below the CFO.

The times are changing

The CIO has to evolve with changing times, believes Ghosh.

With the changing business scenario, it is imperative for a CIO to also learn the dynamics of the market he is operating in.

“Corporates need to understand the nuances of the markets they are working in. Each market is guided by a different regulator, and therefore anything you do in technology has to be in consultation with the principles of that market,” he reasons.