Leading the IT Workforce in Higher Education–Key Findings

This document presents the key findings of the ECAR study, Leading the IT Workforce in Higher Education, by Philip J. Goldstein. The study builds upon the ECAR work done in 2004 in its original study of information technology leadership. The 2008 study addresses the following questions:

·         How significant a transition in leadership positions are we likely to see in the next few years?

·         How confident are IT leaders in their skills, and how effective are their leadership styles?

·         How is the position of IT leader viewed by those who might aspire to it?

·         Is higher education doing all it can to foster a strong pipeline of future leaders?

·         Do changes in the generational composition of the IT workforce present new challenges for leaders?

·         How concerned are IT leaders with the prospect of a future shortage of skilled IT workers?

The report is based on a literature review; 3,100 responses to a web-based survey from IT professionals from 965 colleges and universities; 20 interviews with IT professionals including senior-most IT leaders, aspiring CIOs, and women IT leaders; input from two focus groups comprising mid-career IT managers and directors to discuss the future role of the CIO and the decision to aspire to become a CIO; and case studies. It also draws from the findings from the 2004 study to frame areas of inquiry and analysis.

 Citation for this work: Goldstein, Philip J., and Judith A. Pirani. “Leading the IT Workforce in Higher Education—Key Findings” (Key Findings). Boulder, CO: EDUCAUSE Center for Analysis and Research, 2008, available from http://www.educause.edu/ecar.