Abstract

Business survival in today’s global economic climate depends on an increased understanding and application of Information Technology (IT). Therefore, managers need to be aware of the past, present, and future challenges associated with IT in the workplace to overcome challenges of modernization. Managers who are competent and possess a working knowledge of IT can further assist a business in gaining a competitive edge. Managers accomplish these outcomes by being actively involved in IT decision-making and remaining abreast of new technology. However, important questions arise such as: What do managers need to know about IT and to what level do they need to know it in order to help their business? Do managers need to be IT literate in programming, web design, spreadsheets, databases, e-commerce, ethics, privacy and security, social networks and information systems, and application issues surrounding the businesses they oversee? These questions remain controversial among managers, business owners/investors, and educators as they all point toward addressing the overarching question: What is the appropriate level of IT training for business managers to be successful? This paper offers insight into what managers need to know about IT, which is based on our experience during three decades of teaching students in higher education. Notably, this paper addresses what managers need to know and is not restricted only to managers in the IT sector, but in all fields. We asked managers to place themselves on a scale we created of four levels of skill. Based on our findings, we concluded that there is an “IT training gap.” We recommend that more IT training at advanced levels be implemented in higher education and at the entry-work level for all aspiring business managers. This will allow entry-level students/managers to maintain employment and increase their ability to sustain technology-related jobs.