Obstacles Faced by Digital Leaders May Be Putting Non-tech Organizations at Risk, New Amrop Report Finds

BRUSSELS, Oct. 30, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- As the battle to implement digitization in non-tech organizations intensifies, a report from global executive search firm Amrop sheds new light on the experiences of C-suite digital leaders on the frontlines of change. Weaknesses emerge in four key areas: organizational context, the attitude of boards, the role itself, and digital leaders' confidence in their own competencies.

The Organization: Digital leaders have an uphill struggle. 45% report a lack of dynamism and speed.

They are blocked by fragmented, complex organizational structures, difficulty identifying key stakeholders, and a diffuse strategy. Around a third face questions regarding ROI - 50% say the focus is on financials rather than the future, with a general lack of realism or patience. Four digital threats are considered 'high or extreme' by one in four: processing data meaningfully, digital risk, regulatory delays and customer frustration.

The Board: Words not met by action: only 33% of digital leaders are truly supported or resourced.

Boards prioritize digitization, say 69% of digital leaders, giving space and listening to their input. However, only a third really agree that their boards assign enough resources, or ensure digital initiatives are put into a process. Only 28% truly believe their boards fully understand the meaning and scope of digital. The focus is (too) often on operations, or the customer interface.

The Role: Care needed beyond the honeymoon. Only 18% of digital leaders get a mentor or coach.

Digital leaders have a good start on joining organizations: 80% encounter an inspiring role profile. Two thirds have an easy decision to join, and are matched (at least on joining) with key stakeholders. But only half really feel well-informed by their onboarding process, or helped to have a quick impact. And only one in five receives a senior mentor or coach.

The Competencies: Digital leaders generally confident. But only 26% are fully up to date with security.

Amrop has built the core skillset for Chief Digital Officers and equivalents into a Digital Competency Model, comprising 4 dimensions and 16 indicators. Inviting C-suite digital leaders to self-rate reveals 13 areas in which under 40% feel fully confident. And only one in four feel fully competent or confident in four key digital areas: defining commercial performance indicators, risk management, talent management and security.

"This report highlights the pressure points of digital transformation in non-tech organizations," said Job Voorhoeve, Leader of Amrop's global Digital Practice. "In a confusing arena, these insights will enable boards and digital leaders to identify clear avenues for action."

About the study

159 C-suite digital leaders from mainly EMEA countries and multiple sectors responded to an in-depth survey: Digitization on Boards, 3rd Edition. 53% had a global span of control. 90% identified as Chief Digital Officer, Chief Technology Officer, Chief Information Officer, Chief IT Officer, or Independent Board Member/NED.

About Amrop

Amrop [https://www.amrop.com/] advises organizations in the domains Executive Search, Board and Leadership Services. With over 70 offices in 47 countries, Amrop supports companies in finding and positioning 'Leaders For What's Next': top talent, adept at working across borders in markets around the world.

Link to report [https://amrop.nl/]

For more information

Job Voorhoeve, Amrop Global Digital Practice Leader T: +31-203-473-25 E: job.voorhoeve@amrop.nl [mailto:job.voorhoeve@amrop.nl]

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1011035/Amrop_Logo.jpg [https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1011035/Amrop_Logo.jpg]

Web site: https://www.amrop.com//