DECEMBER 10, 2024
In this era of rapid technological change, CIOs are the drivers of digital business and transformation at their organizations. Between two of their key responsibilities – technology and cybersecurity – they have had to adjust to a constantly-changing landscape.
They also have to help their organizations and employees adjust to this landscape – enter the concept of change management. While perhaps not traditionally viewed as the owner of change management, CIOs are key stakeholders and leaders in the process. They are responsible for the adoption and implementation of new technologies, such as AI, applications and security tools, that may not succeed without organizational change.
In addition, companies increasingly have multiple change initiatives going on at once. According to Gartner research, organizations are typically “attempting to adapt through multiple, simultaneous change initiatives.”
With all of these changes to juggle and prioritize, we wondered how much CIOs are involved in change management and what the challenges are in implementing new processes and technologies. Here are three themes that emerged from more than 300 CIOs’ responses to our Community Pulse Survey on Change Management.
1. Validating the Amount of Change Initiatives
Eighty-two percent of CIOs reported in the survey that their organization is in the process of a change management initiative. Another 10% of CIOs said they have plans to undergo a change initiative in the future. Across all roles in the C-suite, 80% of executives said they are engaged in change management projects at their organizations.
When we asked CIOs what organizational initiatives their change management is related to, they responded with a range of answers related to both business operations and technology implementation. Their responses included mergers and acquisitions, organizational restructuring, digital transformation and modernization, AI integration, and ERP implementation. One CIO even commented, “Too numerous to mention!”
Another IT leader noted, “We are always evolving to adapt to the latest technologies and improve our security posture.” Another shared that they are working on “new technology, new business integration, with new leaders in place.”
2. Leading Change Management Initiatives
Not only did CIOs confirm there is change management occurring, many of them are taking a leading role in it. Eighty-one percent of CIOs reported that they are providing strategic direction and oversight on change management initiatives. That is the highest percentage of leaders among the C-suite roles we surveyed to say that they are taking on that responsibility.
Sixty-seven percent of CIOs said they are leading and championing change initiatives, second only to CHROs among C-level roles. (72% of HR leaders reported they are leading change management programs in our survey, which is perhaps the more traditional function to lead change initiatives). Only 6% of CIOs said that they have minimal involvement in change management.
3. Remaining Confident in Organizational Change
The number of change initiatives going on at once can, of course, lead to change fatigue. Despite this challenge, CIOs are generally confident in their organizations’ ability to succeed with organizational change. Sixty-eight percent of IT leaders said they are “somewhat confident,” and 18% reported feeling “very confident.” Combined, 86% are expressing confidence in their change management capabilities.
On the topic of change fatigue, we asked IT leaders at the end of the survey how leaders can cope with it. Here is a sample of their responses:
Using a top-down approach and explaining what's in it for everyone. Aligning organizational goals.”
It's challenging, but focusing on why there is a need to change, culture, team participation and engagement.”
We are making change ‘normal.’ There will always be change, and we need to get our organization comfortable with it.”
Change is constant so this is difficult, but being clear on the future state is critical.”
Reducing the number of initiatives in-flight at any one time.”
Ensure connection with mission and strategy remains clear – the ‘why.’”
CIOs have become more and more familiar with change management and how it can impact the implementation of IT, digital and business priorities across the organization. In our conversations with IT leaders, we often hear about the “change management aspect” of introducing a particular technology, tool or transformation. They seem to recognize the reality of the constant state of change in technology and security and are working to make their organizations more agile and responsive.
To view the complete findings from our recent Community Pulse Survey with CIOs, check out our infographic on Change Management.
Are you a CIO navigating change management and digital transformation? Join a local Evanta CIO community to engage with your peers on this topic. Or, if you are already a member of a CIO community, check out MyEvanta to view upcoming opportunities to discuss change management and other topics for CIOs.
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