Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter XXVII
Information Management
in Public Sector Agencies:
A Context-Sensitive
Conceptual Framework of
CIO Competence
Maurice W. Green
University of Washington, USA
ABSTRACT
Managerial responsibilities for information technology (IT) have, increasingly, been
consolidated in the person of the “chief information officer” (CIO). Despite the increased
prevalence of the CIO position, no one model has emerged that explains what can
realistically be expected of the CIO in various organizational contexts. This is particularly
true of the public-sector CIO. In this chapter, insight into the problems, challenges, and
requisite competencies for public-sector CIOs is provided. The conceptual framework of
CIO competence presented here is multidimensional and interdisciplinary in nature. In the
chapter, the importance of considering the contextual setting in which CIOs operate in
understanding the competencies he or she deems critical to the CIO role is illustrated. The
competencies deemed critical by CIOs with differing perceptions of the role of IT, as well
as those deemed critical by CIOs managing different size IT units, are contrasted. The
discussion should inform academicians developing IT management curricula and
practitioners engaged in CIO search and development activities.
