Abstract:

Information Technology (IT) and cybersecurity executives play a pivotal role in shaping the cybersecurity posture of an organization, thus their ability to make informed decisions, allocate resources, and communicate effectively with cybersecurity professionals is paramount. When declaring an organization’s cybersecurity posture is secure and has the strength to prevent, detect and respond to cyber threats, it requires the active involvement of decision makers at all levels, particularly strategic level decision in the C-suite. These leaders have the primary responsibility of initiating security programs, publishing organization-wide security policies and are responsible for the oversight of security policy implementation. It is necessary for these executives to be properly informed, trained, and be provided with the tools to fulfil their strategic management responsibilities. An interdisciplinary approach bridging the gap between business, technical skills and strategic decision-making is crucial to navigate the ever evolving and complex cybersecurity challenges facing organizations today. Failure to do so may result in catastrophic consequences for both individual enterprises and society. To effectively counter these threats, it is imperative to not only develop cybersecurity talent but also to equip IT and cybersecurity executives with essential competencies in this domain. Equally important is to identify the specific competencies and develop an approach to implement them. This study aims to identify leadership competencies needed for IT and cybersecurity executive leaders in today’s interconnected environment.

This study utilized a survey design, asking current IT and cybersecurity executives to identify the most critical and essential competencies and the most appropriate leadership competencies from their experience and practices in their positions. The study used a quantitative survey instrument to identify executives’ beliefs as to how important it is to possess each administrative competency. The research objectives of the study were to:
1) Develop an IT/Cybersecurity executive profile for IT/Cybersecurity executives; and
2) Identify the specific competencies for IT/Cybersecurity executives to possess.

The research questions centered on the following:
1) What are critical leadership skills, knowledge, and competencies essential for C-suite level IT/Cybersecurity executives? and
2) How are the identified leadership competencies related to the ten roles or role structure identified by Henry Mintzberg’s role of senior managers?

Mintzberg’s role structure (e.g., interpersonal role, informational role, and decisional role) is primarily founded on the roles of private sector business organizations. The study results will be utilized in the future with a corollary survey focusing on technical competencies of IT and cybersecurity C-suite executive leaders, ultimately providing elements of a framework that supports the training and education of IT and cybersecurity executive leaders from both a technical and managerial perspective.

Keywords:

IT/Cybersecurity executive leaders, C-suite leadership competencies, Executive Leadership Competencies, IT/Cybersecurity Workforce Development.