re platforming the knowledge worker

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Re-platforming the knowledge worker

Richard Edwards, Principal Analyst, Ovum

@REdwards



Having a progressive end-user computing strategy is vital for process efficacy, business transformation, and enduring competitive advantage.

71% 88% ¾

Agree that it is important from a revenue/profitability perspective to have a flexible workforce

Believe that an end-user computing strategy is an important enabler of business innovation

Agree that adopting an end-user computing strategy has a positive effect on the productivity and contribution of the workforce

90%overhalf

Believe that customer service is inextricably linked with workforce agility

Say a flexible and personalised digital workforce is important when trying to attract top talent

Source: Ovum UK IT Decision Maker Survey, 2014 (n=100)



Why are so many employees "doing IT" for themselves?

Need Don’t Need



The modern workplace is all around us, but it’s not always visible.

Source: www.cioinsight.com, 2014

http://www.cioinsight.com/



The modern workplace is geared towards better business outcomes, albeit not necessarily driven by management or line-of-business.



The modern workplace has to be adaptive, with market disruption, rather than corporate IT strategy, shaping the world in which we work.



Organizations today still employ 20th century processes, yet compete in 21st century markets.

The Incumbent’s Approach:Command & Control V The Start-up Approach:

We’re on a Mission

DeterministicPredictable

Assumes business is

ProbabilisticUnpredictable

OrderCertainty

AcceptsDisorderUncertainty

CentralizationCoercionFormalityTight reinImposed disciplineObedienceComplianceOptimal decisions, but laterAbility focused at the top

Tends to lead to

DecentralizationSpontaneityInformalityLoose reinSelf-disciplineInitiativeCooperationAcceptable decisions fasterAbility at all levelsHigher tempo

ExplicitVerticalLinear

Communication types used

ImplicitVertical and horizontalInteractive

HierarchicBureaucratic

Organization types fostered

OrganicAd hoc

DirectingTransactional

Leadership styles

encouraged

DelegatingTransformational

“Science of war”Technical/procedural tasks

Appropriate to“Art of war”Conduct of operations

Source: From Moltke's theory of war



As we move beyond 2020, we'll all be competing against, or working in, organizations staffed by millennials.



We need to start thinking and acting like “digital natives" now. We must become customer-adaptive to remain relevant in the future.

“It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent that survives. It is the one that is most adaptable to change.”

Not Charles Darwin


The impact of technology on the world of work

“If change is happening faster on the outside than on the inside, then the end nigh.”

“The tools used by the workforce shape the processes and products of the organization.”

“The ignorance of how to use new technology stockpiles exponentially.”


The IT department’s challenge


Increasing market and customer relevancy by re-platforming the knowledge worker

1. Visionary leadership: “Back to the floor”

2. Engaged workforce: “Happy chickens lay more eggs”

3. Collaborative: Corporate culture, not just tools

4. Insight and foresight: Everyone can share and curate

5. Customer experience: Starts with the employee experience

6. Continuous innovation: Technology as a change-agent

7. Connected, frictionless processes: Not restricted by EUC/SOE

8. Architecture: Optimize the workplace for adaptability and flexibility, with a focus on quality, innovation, and service.

re platforming the knowledge worker

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