C-suite and digitalisation

C-suite, IT and the general Disconnect between the workforce on digitalisation

JUST 11 percent of organisations are highly satisfied with those leading the charge for digital transformation — even though almost 75 percent are already on the path.

According to NTT Ltd’s 2019 Digital Means Business report, organisations worldwide are achieving some success with digital transformation, but there’s still a need for radical change in leadership style and focus.

Some 71 percent of organisations canvassed, all of which were in the early stages of digitalisation, believe a complete restructuring of the business and operating models is called for. Only 49 percent of respondents believe their leadership team has the requisite skills.

New behavioural priorities and performance indicators were flagged as lacking in the drive for a more proactive, tactical transformation.

The research also revealed a direct correlation between organisations’ ability to regularly realise outcomes-driven value from the transformation and their digital maturity.

But only 29 percent of organisations are embracing digitalisation as a collaborative effort between business and IT. Just 12 percent are “highly satisfied” that planning is flowing effectively through to execution, and almost half (49 percent) of transformation projects are still IT-led.

Wayne Speechly, VP of Advanced Competencies, NTT, said: “Organisations should focus less on perfecting a grand digital plan, and more on taking considered and iterative steps in their transformation journey.

“For various reasons, an organisation (can be) its own worst enemy, so any change has to be supported by pragmatic, self-aware leadership.”

The research project was comprehensive. It surveyed more than 1,150 executives from 15 countries across North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific, and from 11 industry verticals.

The results provide an insight into how these leaders perceive the business opportunities presented by digital transformation, the delivery challenges experienced in realising a digital transformation strategy, and the value being achieved.