Will There Be Enough Information Technology Managers in 2010?
Abstract
This research studied the availability of future information technology (IT) managers at the U.S. Department of State (DOS). Over half the DOS's Foreign Service specialist workforce is composed of Generation X -- a cohort known to change employers often. Using current personnel profiles, the author projected the number of specialists that will be working at DOS in 2010. The prediction revealed that if attrition exceeds 15 percent, there will be more management vacancies than qualified candidates. This potential problem is exacerbated by the low birth rate of Generation X: between 2010 and 2025, there will be 15 percent fewer Generation X employees available. Because most IT managers will retire in the next 5 to 10 years, and it takes five years to groom an IT specialist for management, DOS must recruit personnel who can move into management positions within 5 years. A risk analysis showed that the most viable strategy for doing this is to immediately recruit a higher percentage of retired military officers with an IT management background. Moreover, DOS must initiate training to more effectively integrate Generation X employees and to identify potential IT managers and help them hone their people and leadership skills. This research should be expanded to include all DOS Generation X employees.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 08, 2006
- Accession Number
- ADA448999
Entities
People
- Alan Roecks
Organizations
- United States Army War College