ENTERPRISE TECHNOLOGY

Next generation ERP can provide an organisational cockpit with real time data and analytics leading to more coherent C-suite decision making . Sabby Gill at Epicor Software explains the changing dynamics inside the C-suite .

bit of conflict between members of the C-suite is inevitable . When each member has different priorities and business objectives with the rest of the C-suite , it is possible for this conflict to cause problems . Part of the tension is caused by a lack of consensus on business growth . According to recent research by Epicor , this misalignment of goals could lead to business problems if left unchecked .

But if differing viewpoints are channeled positively , using technology and data to inform decision-making , ideas can foster growth and innovation rather than continue to be a source of conflict .

40 % of CEOs agreed access to information is of importance to them compared to 34 % of CFOs , COOs and CIOs on average

What else could be contributing to conflict within the C-suite ? One theory is that the CEO occupies a lonely position compared to the rest of the C-suite and has very little insight into the inner-workings of the internal departments within the business . CEOs tend to be more concerned with their outward selves , answering to stakeholders and explaining numbers to the board of directors .

Rob Morris , Managing Director and General Manager of Intellectual Property at leadership consultancy firm YSC believes CEOs may feel the burden of growth more than other members of the C-suite . He refers to the CEO operating like an island , despite the stereotypical image of a CEO projecting confidence and stability .

A recent study in Harvard Business Review examined how the burden of being responsible for tough business decisions can make a difference . It found that , 93 % of CEOs require more preparation for the role than they get and are unready for the loneliness and accountability that lies ahead .

A variety of new technology roles could also be aggravating the tension within the C-suite . As a Wall Street Journal article reports , CIOs and CTOs are struggling to differentiate their responsibilities . The article goes on to say , with so many roles , even other C-levels may not know where to turn to address a particular IT-related issue or problem . And the overlaps and conflicts may well lead to infighting .

But while it is normal to have differing opinions and views , it is when these conflicts turn unhealthy and start becoming a strain on maintaining strong and healthy business operations that it becomes a problem . As Morris says , conflict in a healthy team climate can lead

18 Issue 03 INTELLIGENT TECH CHANNELS