ABSTRACT
Money is power. There is no avoiding the reality that
the degree of a CIO’s control over budget money often
determines how difficult their ability to execute will be.
The ability to move money and strategically invest it is
fundamental to the CIO’s ability to create change. But
as Machiavelli points out, money does not always en-
sure strength and safety. Having control of large sums
of money can make a CIO powerful and help ensure
better IT decision making. It also makes CIOs and IT
a significant target of attack, as others covet the funds
for alternate uses. When resources become scarce due
to a revenue drain or other change in market condi-
tions, competition for money inside the enterprise can
quickly turn a light culture to the dark side.
