Title: Personality traits of the enterprise IT application implementation champion

Authors: Donald Chrusciel

Addresses: 108 General Services, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011-4001, USA

Abstract: This study attempts to identify personality traits for selecting successful information technology system implementation champions. Given the prominent role champions play implementing such change initiatives, the ability to select champions would give organisations an advantage in such endeavours. Individuals, identified as early adopters involved with implementing an organisational technology system, are surveyed utilising an instrument that classifies personality style preferences based on multiple profiling methods. Although the data suggests a preference for the problem solver and/or the systematic thinker, caution is recommended prior to excluding other profile types. Findings do support certain attributes that may be common to successful implementation champions beyond being good team members and salespersons. This article contributes to the literature by examining these guidepost traits which can be identified using simplified contemporary practitioner profiling instruments that are both cost-effective and timely for leaders in organisations charged with selecting potential champions to optimise the implementation.

Keywords: IT implementation champions; organisational change; significant change; change management; personality traits; enterprise systems; information systems; information technology; personality style preferences; practitioner profiling.

DOI: 10.1504/IJISCM.2011.041511

International Journal of Information Systems and Change Management, 2011 Vol.5 No.2, pp.124 - 139

Received: 27 Sep 2010
Accepted: 25 Mar 2011
Published online: 29 Nov 2014 *

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