This study compares leadership roles, individual characteristics and position characteristics of newly appointed IS/IT executives (those who have been in their position for two years or less) with established IS/IT executives...Survey results indicate that new leaders spend more time in the informational role and in the change-leader role than established leaders.
Leadership in information systems (IS) and information technology (IT) has changed in fundamental ways over the past decade. While interest in the topic has increased in recent years, little empirical research on IS/IT leadership has been conducted. This study compares leadership roles, individual characteristics and position characteristics of newly appointed IS/IT executives (those who have been in their position for two years or less) with established IS/IT executives using a survey conducted in Norway. Survey results indicate that new leaders spend more time in the informational role and in the change-leader role than established leaders. New leaders have worked a shorter time in the organization and a shorter time in IS/IT than established leaders. New leaders have less responsibility for computer operations, communication networks and technical infrastructure than established leaders.