Mobile Technology and the Employee-Customer-Profit Chain

Rapid changes associated with mobile technology are disrupting traditional ways of accessing information, conducting e-commerce, and driving business strategy with the monetization of digital assets.  This shift has increased the need for CEOs to understand and drive technology decisions such as mobile, data management, cloud computing, and online collaborations.  This study presents a conceptual model and uses regression analysis to predict the likelihood of digital technology investments from C-level executives’ understanding of the Employee-Customer-Profit (ECP).  Data analysis results show the model has strong predictive capability and explanatory power for predicting the likelihood of digital technology investments by C-level executives.  Understanding IT capabilities showed as the primary predictor towards purchase decisions concerning digital technologies.  The survey instrument showed strong internal consistencies (Cronbach alpha .70 to .90) and recommendations are provided for future research and business applications.  The key takeaway from this research study is that CEOs and other C-level executives need to understand IT capabilities within their organization and within the context of the ECP chain.  CEO leadership is critical to creating a workplace culture where employees are both competent and empowered to innovate and combine effectively IT resources within their organizations.