ABSTRACT
In 1985, benjamin, dickinson, and rockart wrote about the changing role of the Chief Information Officer (CIO). They argued that the creation of the CIO position demonstrated that the status of IT executives was being elevated and integrated into top management. The CIO recounted the multi-million-dollar cost savings a new systems portfolio management program brought the company. The importance of status and credibility of CIOs and their IT organization go beyond job satisfaction. Communication ability and relationship with the CEO can influence perceptions of the CIO and the IT function as a whole. CIOs who face assumptions that IT is only support, not a partner, need to cultivate business sponsors and senior line supporters who will either speak on its behalf or invite the CIO to meetings. Rather than resent IT's low status, these CIOs need to continually reinforce to key business supporters how IT supports business strategy.
