The value of business managers’ ‘Information Technology’ competence

Abstract

This study analyses the role of general managers and their competence in information technologies (ITs) in the integration of these technologies in knowledge-intensive businesses. From a resource-based view, it assesses the effect of managers IT knowledge and vision on information management in their organizations. It focuses on two knowledge industries: telecommunication and biotechnology, with a final sample of 122 firms. Structural equations are used to assess the data. The findings show that the role of managers goes further than supporting and championing ITs. They are direct key actors in the IT business integration. For this reason, managers should understand IT potential and information system management in order to combine this knowledge with their unique strategic vision of the business, foreseeing opportunities and needs.