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More CFOs collaborating with CIOs in last three years, survey finds

In a new survey from Robert Half Management Resources and Robert Half Technology, 51 percent of CFOs claimed that they are presently collaborating more with their company's CIOs than three years ago. A scant 7 percent of respondents said they work with CIOs less often.

"Modern finance is enabled by technology, and without it an organization can quickly fall behind," said Tim Hird, executive director for Robert Half Management Resources, in a statement. "One of the great benefits of IT advancements for the accounting and finance functions is increased automation and data analysis, which help professionals better serve as strategic business partners for their companies."

CFOs were asked, "Compared to three years ago, how frequently are you collaborating with your company's chief information officer or top IT manager?" Their responses were thusly:

[IMGCAP(1)]

Much more

17%

Somewhat more

34%

No difference

42%

Somewhat less

5%

Much less

2%

 

100%

 

"Technology initiatives affect nearly every business unit within organizations today," stated John Reed, senior executive director for Robert Half Technology. "Teams that make it a priority to focus on collaboration help pave the way for smoother integration of new systems and processes."

Robert Half offers six tips business leaders on how to improve interdepartmental collaboration:

  • Encourage a companywide view. Provide opportunities, such as meetings with guest speakers from other departments and mentoring programs, to help new and tenured staff stay current on issues affecting different areas of the company.
  • Communicate priorities. Use consistent messaging throughout the organization about the company's opportunities, challenges and goals.
  • Speak a shared language. When detailing objectives and challenges, use common terms. Skip acronyms and industry jargon that only some individuals will understand.
  • Extend the invitation. Include other departments in group outings. Team-building activities help people build rapport.
  • Seek an outside view. Consider working with a consultant who can provide an objective perspective of your firm's strengths and weaknesses and offer best practices for improving collaboration.
  • Celebrate as a group. When a project goes well, reward the entire team. Praise the individuals involved, and call out specific instances of the group working together that led to the success.

 
For more on Robert Half, head to their site here.

 

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