CIOs Urged to Prioritize Stakeholder Engagement for Greater Influence and Alignment, Advises Info-Tech Research Group

Despite its strong link to organizational satisfaction, data from Info-Tech Research Group's IT Staffing Assessment reveals that CIOs are dedicating only 13% of their time to stakeholder engagement. This limited focus leaves many IT leaders at risk of missing vital opportunities to transform their role from a technology service provider to a strategic partner. New insights from the global IT research and advisory firm show that strong, ongoing stakeholder relationships are essential for boosting satisfaction, building trust, and aligning IT with organizational goals. The firm's recently published blueprint, Elevate IT Satisfaction by Strengthening Stakeholder Relationships, offers a practical four-step approach for IT leaders to enhance engagement, influence, and results within their organizations.

TORONTO, Aug. 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - As organizations continue to invest heavily in technology for growth and resilience, IT leaders are facing increasing pressure to deliver more than operational excellence. Info-Tech Research Group's newly published research insights in the blueprint, Elevate IT Satisfaction by Strengthening Stakeholder Relationships, shows that effective engagement with stakeholders is not a "soft skill" but a critical driver for achieving business objectives. The firm's findings reveal that even with clear evidence of its impact, stakeholder engagement remains underdeveloped in many organizations, creating missed opportunities for IT to elevate its influence and value.

Info-Tech's research highlights that stakeholder engagement efforts often remain sporadic and tied to individual projects, leaving IT leaders without the sustained trust and influence needed to shape strategic decisions. Many focus on technology delivery alone, assuming operational improvements will raise satisfaction, yet the firm's research shows the most substantial gains come from consistent, people-focused engagement. The firm advises that elevating this work from an occasional task to an ongoing priority can transform IT's role across the organization.

"Too many IT leaders still treat stakeholder engagement as a nice-to-have, when in reality it's one of the most powerful levers for influence and satisfaction," says Diana MacPherson, research director at Info-Tech Research Group. "When CIOs make relationship-building a continuous, intentional discipline, they earn the trust, access, and alignment needed to turn technology into lasting business value. It's people, not technology, who decide how IT is funded, influence your career progression, and help deliver on mandates and objectives. Stakeholder relationships are the true currency of influence for IT leaders."

Info-Tech's Methodology for Strengthening Stakeholder Relationships

Traditional stakeholder management often falls short because it is reactive and project-based, failing to address the dynamic and complex nature of relationships. The firm's resource advocates for a disciplined, continuous improvement process that includes regular re-evaluation, reflection, and adjustment to remain relevant and trusted over time.

"Technology is easy. People are hard," explains MacPherson. "Focusing on relationships enables IT leaders to connect technology initiatives directly to business priorities, ensuring greater adoption, trust, and value realization."

Info-Tech's Elevate IT Satisfaction by Strengthening Stakeholder Relationships blueprint details a practical four-step approach for IT leaders to move beyond reactive, short-term stakeholder management toward a disciplined, continuous improvement process. The following framework will allow IT leaders to adapt to the dynamic nature of relationships, ensuring relevance, trust, and alignment over time:

1. Identify Goals and Stakeholders – The CIO and IT leadership team work to define clear engagement objectives in collaboration with organizational executives, hidden influencers, and cross-functional partners. They can then determine who to engage now, next, and later to ensure IT initiatives align with organizational priorities from the outset.
2. Understand Stakeholders – IT leaders and their engagement teams develop detailed profiles for each stakeholder, uncovering priorities, pressures, and preferred communication styles. This insight enables them to tailor conversations, execute requests effectively, and build capabilities that matter most to the business.
3. Build an Action Plan – The CIO's core team translates stakeholder insights into targeted engagement plans with measurable objectives, success criteria, and timelines. Responsibilities are assigned, and progress is reviewed regularly to maintain alignment.
4. Track Progress and Maintain Focus – CIOs and IT leadership monitor relationship health through regular reflection, pulse surveys, and targeted follow-ups. They address concerns quickly, reinforce wins, and keep relationships active even as business conditions evolve.

Building and sustaining strong stakeholder relationships requires consistent attention, adaptability, and a focus on people rather than technology alone. The firm emphasizes that such relationships are the foundation for trust, influence, and the ability to connect technology initiatives directly to business priorities. When cultivated over time, this foundation can give IT leaders the credibility and access needed to shape strategic outcomes.

According to MacPherson, "In practice, strong stakeholder relationships empower IT leaders to position themselves as valued contributors to solving business challenges. By leveraging this influence, they can secure their seat at early strategic planning sessions, ensuring technology initiatives align with organizational priorities from the outset."

By following Info-Tech's structured approach outlined in its recently published resource, CIOs and IT leaders can move beyond delivering projects to becoming trusted advisors and strategic partners, ultimately boosting satisfaction, influence, and organizational success.

For exclusive and timely commentary from Info-Tech's experts, including Diana MacPherson, and access to the complete Elevate IT Satisfaction by Strengthening Stakeholder Relationships blueprint, please contact [email protected].

About Info-Tech Research Group

Info-Tech Research Group is one of the world's leading research and advisory firms, serving over 30,000 IT and HR professionals. The company produces unbiased, highly relevant research and provides advisory services to help leaders make strategic, timely, and well-informed decisions. For nearly 30 years, Info-Tech has partnered closely with teams to provide them with everything they need, from actionable tools to analyst guidance, ensuring they deliver measurable results for their organizations.

To learn more about Info-Tech's divisions, visit McLean & Company for HR research and advisory services, and SoftwareReviews for software buying insights.

Media professionals can register for unrestricted access to research across IT, HR, and software, and hundreds of industry analysts through the firm's Media Insiders program. To gain access, contact [email protected].

For information about Info-Tech Research Group or to access the latest research, visit infotech.com and connect via LinkedIn and X.

SOURCE Info-Tech Research Group