Preparing for Retirement of Key IT Staff: Important Governance Action

Effective Planning for Retirement of Key IT Staff

Question

IT senior management has just received a survey report indicating that more than one third of the organization's key IT staff plan to retire within the next 12 months.

Which of the following is the MOST important governance action to prepare for this possibility?

Answers

Explanations

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A. B. C. D.

C.

The potential loss of a third of an organization's key IT staff within the next 12 months is a significant risk to the organization's operations and can impact its ability to achieve its strategic objectives. Therefore, the IT senior management should take appropriate governance actions to prepare for this possibility.

Of the four options presented, the MOST important governance action to prepare for this possibility is to request the development of a succession plan (Option A).

A succession plan is a documented process that identifies and develops individuals within an organization who have the potential to fill key leadership and other roles within the organization. Succession planning is an important component of risk management and ensures that the organization can continue its operations without disruption, even if key personnel leave or retire.

By requesting the development of a succession plan, IT senior management can proactively identify and develop individuals within the organization who have the potential to fill key IT roles. This allows for a smooth transition when key personnel leave or retire, and ensures the organization can maintain continuity of its IT operations.

While engaging HR for recruitment of new staff (Option B) is also an important governance action, it is not the MOST important action in this scenario. Recruitment of new staff can take time, and the organization may not find the right candidates immediately. In the interim, the organization needs to ensure that it has a plan in place to manage the potential loss of key IT staff.

Similarly, evaluating lower-level staff as succession candidates (Option C) is also an important governance action, but it should be done in conjunction with the development of a succession plan. A succession plan should consider individuals at all levels of the organization and identify those with the potential to fill key roles, including lower-level staff.

Reviewing motivation drivers for key IT staff (Option D) is also an important governance action, but it is not the most critical action in this scenario. While it is important to understand what motivates key IT staff, it does not directly address the risk of losing key personnel and ensuring the continuity of IT operations.

In summary, the MOST important governance action for IT senior management to prepare for the potential loss of key IT staff within the next 12 months is to request the development of a succession plan.