Effective management of the information technology function

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to determine the extent to which line managers in manufacturing companies value six attributes related to business knowledge and competence in their information technology (IT) personnel.

Design/methodology/approach

Managers in manufacturing organizations located in the Southwestern United States (USA) were interviewed about their perceptions regarding the IT staff and these six attributes. The methodology utilized in this study is survey research, with personal interviews as the principal method of gathering information.

Findings

The results support the importance of these six attributes related to business knowledge and competence in IT personnel to the line managers interviewed.

Research limitations/implications

The research was limited to a small number of manufacturing companies. The size of the sample should be increased.

Practical implications

For practicing managers, these findings may have important implications. The results of this study indicate that the hiring manager should assess the candidates’ business knowledge, especially industry‐specific experience, as well as technical IT expertise.

Originality/value

This study fulfils its purpose – to support the importance of the six attributes related to business knowledge and compentence in IT personnel.

Citation

Jaska, P.V. and Hogan, P.T. (2006), "Effective management of the information technology function", Management Research News, Vol. 29 No. 8, pp. 464-470. https://doi.org/10.1108/01409170610692789