IT bosses need business skills more than techie smarts

Business skills are only slightly more important than technical skills for CIOs and IT directors, say silicon.com readers.

In a recent poll, 48 per cent of readers said business knowledge is key for top-level IT staff while 40 per cent said it was technical smarts they require most.

A small percentage of the 557 respondents predicted the need for business acumen in the IT department will grow over time, with almost eight per cent of respondents saying business skills aren't more important than tech knowledge now but will be in five years' time, while three per cent said business will rule in 10 years.

A few readers complained there was no option in the poll for both skills being equally important, arguing that top IT staff must possess aptitude in both areas to succeed.

The poll followed recent research from analyst house Gartner, which said technical skills won't be enough for IT workers in the future and that they'll need to bone-up on business basics to attract employers and keep their jobs.

The story led to an overwhelming response from techies, who said business people need to learn more about tech, not the other way around.