The next-gen Information Manager
Key findings
- When asked about the Information Management (IM) skills their organisation would value over the next 3-5 years, participants identified 'risk management, security and data privacy' at the top of the list, followed by 'Content/records management', 'Analytics' and 'Taxonomy/metadata management'
- When asked about the IM capabilities that would be most in demand, organisations placed 'Information accessibility' - including social and mobile integration - at the top of the list
- Soft skills that will be highly valued in Information Managers include Innovative thinking (cited by 70% of respondents) followed by change management and relationship management and corporate communications.
- Other technical IM capabilities that are going to be in demand include:
- Data quality management and migration
- Information security and access control
- Content and records management
- ECM/RM/DM (document management) systems knowledge
How do Information Managers rate their skills?
Unsurprisingly information managers reported their strengths lay in traditional aspects of IM including content and records management and taxonomies. They reported feeling slightly less comfortable in some of the areas employers are predicting will become increasingly vital – including data analytics and information security.
Information managers are already using a wide range of professional development tools including online tools and independent training providers. What is clear is that most organisations are in no position to provide relevant, technical training to the required level.
In summary
Information managers should proactively work to develop their skill sets. Areas to focus on include information security and information access. However, as always, decisions should be made with an eye on organisational context.
The full report is available to download here.