Enterprise leadership fractures over tech's role in strategy, Gartner finds

Executives across the C-suite hold markedly different views on technology's influence over enterprise direction and outcomes, according to research from Gartner that polled 251 technical and non-technical leaders at organizations exceeding $1 billion in revenue.

The gap in perspective is substantial. Four out of five CEOs regard technology as central to business strategy, and 82% of those surveyed believe CIOs should lead enterprise AI efforts. Yet more than half of executives in non-technology roles see technology as a factor that informs strategy rather than one that fundamentally shapes it.

Jennifer Carter, senior principal analyst at Gartner, addressed the divide during Gartner's IT Symposium/Xpo last week, noting that CIOs must redesign how organizations distribute ownership and understanding of AI across business units to achieve alignment. "Tech chiefs are now fundamentally responsible for shaping business models through technology," she stated.

The alignment challenge

While most executives acknowledged that their organizations are moving toward becoming AI-powered enterprises, they diverge on the path forward, Carter explained. The disagreement reflects a broader shift in how technology permeates organizational structures.

Technology roles now extend far beyond IT departments. Roughly one-quarter of employees reporting to non-IT functions—including marketing, accounting and sales—work in technology-focused positions. Across these departments, technology typically accounts for nearly one-quarter of operating budgets and consumes nearly one-third of employees' time on personal technology management, according to Carter's analysis of the survey.

Accountability structures have shifted as well. Executive teams show declining willingness to assume collective ownership over the technological capabilities required to achieve performance goals and organizational transformation, the survey found.

It's easy to say, 'I'll be in the hub for AI revenue generation,' but nobody's saying, 'Let me help with workforce management,'

Jennifer Carter, Gartner

Most surveyed executives pointed to the CIO as the party responsible for technology outcomes. Even when job descriptions lack explicit language, CIOs report feeling personal accountability for managing technology results, according to a September report from 8x8.

Technical leaders were less confident about C-suite alignment on data strategy. Additionally, only 54% of non-technology executives indicated they maintain a strong working relationship with their IT departments.

Paths to better alignment

Carter identified several leadership approaches that could meaningfully address these disconnects:

• Open communication and transparency across leadership
• Alignment of technology strategy across all business units
• Proactive messaging regarding technology decisions
• Demonstration of concrete AI applications and wins

These steps can foster the organizational buy-in and cohesion needed for enterprise-wide technology initiatives. Carter noted that CIOs face a more favorable environment than in previous years—they no longer must expend energy convincing the organization that technology matters.