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Tech Leaders Sound Off on Changing Role of CIO

Survey Shows Canadian Tech Executives See Their Roles as Primarily Strategic

TORONTO, May 18, 2017 /CNW/ - Technology executives are making the shift from the back office to the boardroom, according to new research from Robert Half Technology. The survey reveals five per cent of Canadian CIOs today believe their roles are primarily functional versus 36 per cent five years ago. More than one in three (36 per cent) 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 find greater flexibility most appealing with nearly two in five (39 per cent) citing the ability to consult on projects and control their own schedule as a chief motivator. Twenty-six per cent say running their own company holds the most appeal, while another 24 per cent find the opportunity for a higher salary attractive.

CIOs were asked, "Which of the following best describes the CIO role…" Their responses:


Today

Five Years
Ago

Strategic

36%

36%

Transformational

31%

20%

Combination of all three

28%

8%

Functional

5%

36%


100%

100%

 

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*:

To be a consultant or have more control over my schedule

39%

To run my own company

26%

A higher salary

24%

To be more strategic

9%

To change industries

2%

Don't know

1%


101%

*Responses do not total 100 per cent due to rounding.

"As the role of technology within businesses continues to expand, companies must evaluate and adapt their resources and IT teams to meet evolving organizational goals," said Deborah Bottineau, senior regional manager of Robert Half Technology. "Take advantage of resources, such as specialized staffing experts, who can help you establish a tailored hiring strategy that ensures access to a network of skilled tech professionals with the insight and expertise your company needs."

Survey Methodology
The survey was developed and conducted by Robert Half Technology and includes responses from more than 270 Canadian CIOs.

About Robert Half Technology
Robert Half Technology is a leading provider of technology professionals, specializing in a full spectrum of technology services – from project, contract-to-hire and full-time IT staffing services to managed services and solution consulting. With more than 100 locations in North America, South America, Europe and the Asia-Pacific region, the company provides highly skilled talent for IT initiatives ranging from web development and multiplatform systems integration to network security and technical support. For more information, please visit roberthalf.ca/technology. For career and management advice, follow our blog at roberthalf.ca/blog. Follow Robert Half Canada on Twitter at @RobertHalf_CAN for additional workplace advice and hiring trends.

Robert Half Technology and 
The Creative Group 
181 Bay Street, Suite 820
Toronto, ON M5J 2T3
Contact: Naz Araghian
416.865.2140
naz.araghian@roberthalf.com

SOURCE Robert Half Technology