The role of CIO in digital transformation: an exploratory study

Abstract

With a continuous stream of emerging technologies, organizations are increasingly seeking to digitally transform their business towards ever efficient, intelligent, and self-learning business models. As the recognized head of IT, the Chief Information Officer (CIO) is often tasked with the responsibility of successfully implementing Digital Transformation (DT) initiatives. While there are independent studies on CIO role, and on the impact of DT, the role of CIO is not sufficiently examined in the DT context. This study fills this gap by conducting multiple case study of six organizations engaged in DT. Following the role theory, the study emphasizes the CIO as an actor focused on digital strategy and empirically delineates the multidimensional task demands associated with DT regarding the CIO role under the new strategic realities of the digital age. We find that while traditional CIO roles still apply, the DT context adds more nuances in such roles. Moreover, some new roles (e.g., legacy systems integration, risk management and IT security) have become crucial that are not adequately captured in extant literature on CIO roles.