What are the characteristics of good organization information systems talent?

Answer 1

Personal Attributes

1 . Knowledge of information systems

If managers are aware of what computer-based systems can do, their information requests will probably be more sophisticated and more specific. Their knowledge of capabilities and costs places them in a much better position to aid in the design of a good system.

2. Managerial Style

A manager's technical background, leadership style, and decision-making ability all affect the kind and amount of information required. Some prefer a greater amount; Others like to decide with a minimum of detail and prefer personal consulatation with subordiantes.

3. Manager's perception of information needs

" You tell me what I need to know" and "get me all the facts" represent two opposite perceptions of information needs. This dichotomy is due partly to the fact that many managers are ignorant of what information they need. Another dimension of the problem is the widely differing views of the managers regarding their obligation to disseminate information to subordinates and to groups outside the firm. Teh manager wh ocannot or will not delegate authority is likely to keep information closely held.

Organisational environment

1. Nature of the company

Problems in communication and in controlling operations seem to be a function of the comapny's size and the complexity of its organization. The larger more complex firms require more formal information systems, and the information needs of these systems become more critical to operations.

2. Level of Management

There are three levels of management (i.e strategic planning, management control, operation control) and the varying needs for information at each. Each level needs different type of information, generally in different form. top levels need the one-time report, the summary, the single inquiry. The management control level needs the exception report the summary and the variety of periodic reports for regular evaluation. The operational control level requires teh formal report with fixed procedures, the day-to-day report of transactions, to maintain operational control of actions as they occur. Managers at all levels have changing information needs, depending on the nature and importance of the particular decision.

3. Structure of the organisation

The more highly structured the organization, the easier it is to determine the information needs. Where authority and responsisbility are clearly speelled out, relationships understood, and decision-making areas defined, the information needs of managers can be determined more easily.