Finance leaders need help from the younger generation to understand modern technology, says John Tate.
Last month the communications watchdog Ofcom published the results of a survey on technology.
Based on a sample of 800 children and 2,000 adults, key findings showed that children as young as six have a better understanding of modern technology than most 45-55 year-olds.
Recent developments with smartphones, other mobile devices and social media – to name just a few – have left older generations unable to keep up with youngsters.
Teenagers aged 14-15, who have lived with broadband internet all their lives, are the most confident with technology. At the other end of the spectrum, more than 60 per cent of adults over 55 admitted they ‘struggle’ with it.
Added to this there are some interesting trends. Teenagers no longer use traditional phone calls to communicate, instead preferring to use instant messaging via social media, or text messages. Email is on the decline, being less frequently used by young people compared to adults.
A lot to think about
New technology offers the charity sector a huge opportunity. However, those responsible for decisions in this area are invariably at the higher (‘struggling’) end of the age spectrum.
Another challenge is that many charities seek to engage with children and young adults – a group which has a different experience of technology from most charity workers, and yet it is these workers who are developing the IT systems.
If we are not careful, today’s investment in PCs, laptops, email and phone systems may become tomorrow’s slide rules, typewriters and Kalamazoo accounting systems.
So how should charities be mapping out their long-term IT strategy and investment?
To start with you might like to complete a short version of Ofcom’s questionnaire and see how you score. It can be accessed here.
It would appear that higher scores on the questionnaire are obtained by those who actually use new technology and have a real interest in the latest products (or what oldies might call gadgets) on the market.
Most finance professionals are used to tackling issues where they initially have limited knowledge, and limited ‘hands on’ experience, as their role is so broad.
Best practice suggests that we get to grips with a new technology through a combination of learning about it ourselves and building a team around us who know the subject well, and who we can trust.
Conventionally, this team might include work colleagues and IT suppliers or consultants. It might be a good idea to add schoolchildren to this list if you are looking to review your long-term IT strategy or implement an idea that appeals to this audience.
However, regardless of how little you know about the subject, you must ensure you apply the usual best practice principles to any potential technology investment.
Look for a proper cost-benefit analysis; and make sure there is a decent project plan that covers in sufficient detail the people and process improvements required, as well as the technology itself.
Downside of technology
Don’t forget to really think about the effect your technology plans will have on peoples’ working lives – good, bad and ugly. The Ofcom survey found that technology is seen by many as a distraction in their daily live.
Some 24 per cent of workers thought technology improved their work-life balance, 49 per cent stated it was not making much difference and 16 per cent thought technology was making their work-life balance worse (the other 11 per cent had no clear view). While technology that allows 24/7 access to the work environment is now available, great care needs to be taken with its use.
If you are at the older end of the age spectrum you will have something that a teenager doesn’t – experience. Ensure you put this to good use.
In terms of learning, perhaps you should add to your budget the money to try some new smartphone and tablet apps; Google glasses; superfast broadband; 4G mobile; and at least one 3D printer.
However, I’d suggest that you hold off from buying a driverless car for now.
