CREATIVE-IT COLLABORATION ON THE RISE
Getting different departments to work together is often easier said than done. Research shows that while creative and information technology (IT) teams are collaborating more closely, barriers to effective partnering persist.
WE ASKED CREATIVE EXECUTIVES
Compared to three years ago, how closely are you collaborating with technology leaders within your company?
55% say they are collaborating more closely with technology leaders
| 30% Much more closely |
| 25% Somewhat more closely |
| 39% The same amount |
| 3% Somewhat less closely |
| 0% Much less closely |
| 1% Does not apply/no technology leaders in company |
| 1% Don’t know |
What’s the #1 challenge for creative/marketing professionals when collaborating with IT peers?
THE TOP RESPONSES
Communication & Working Together
“Understanding their tech terms — they’re forever changing.”
“Finding a common verbal agreement. Tech pros think it’s all about the tools and creative pros think it’s all about the ideas.”
“Accepting constructive criticism.”
Project & Execution Logistics
“Getting their attention — professionals in IT are often only accustomed to working with other professionals in IT.”
“Figuring out if they have time to even get involved with what we’re doing.”
“Being clear about what the purpose of our meetings are and what needs to be accomplished.”
WE ASKED IT EXECUTIVES
Compared to three years ago, how closely are you collaborating with creative leaders within your company?
33% say they are collaborating more closely with creative leaders
| 12% Much more closely |
| 21% Somewhat more closely |
| 37% The same amount |
| 3% Somewhat less closely |
| 2% Much less closely |
| 23% Does not apply/no creative leaders in company |
| 1% Don’t know |
What is the #1 challenge for IT professionals when collaborating with creative/marketing peers?
THE TOP RESPONSES
Communication & Working Together
“Lack of communication — they sometimes make decisions and put things in process without asking for input from the people who actually make the technology work.”
“Communicating technical details concisely and making sure they understand what those details mean.”
“Managing expectations because they want things that don’t exist.”
IT-Related Challenges
“Making sure the creative/marketing department is aware of the tools available in the market.”
“Being able to afford what it is they’d like us to do.”
“Trying to get the creative/marketing department to understand the time it takes to complete web projects.”
HOW WELL ARE YOUR COMPANY’S CREATIVE AND IT TEAMS WORKING TOGETHER?
SOURCES:
The Creative Group survey of 400 U.S. advertising and marketing executives.
Robert Half Technology survey of more than 2,400 U.S. chief information officers.
Responses do no total 100 percent due to rounding.
© 2015 Robert Half International Inc. An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/Disability/Vet.
