Summarize the key issues raised by this case study, and provide your insights regarding the IT management actions that the CIO has to undertake in order to finally accomplish the program successfully. Are there other constructive options the FBI hasn't considered? Be sure to Identify any significant dynamic tensions, controversies, dilemmas, etc. that are raised in the case.

One of the most important issues to note, when looking at the FBI case, is that it starts by defining the kind of environment/culture of the organization. The case describes the inside environment of the bureau is one that is built upon secrecy. The environment is described as “The environment within the FBI is one of secrecy, staffed by many individuals who hold a common mindset against open information sharing.”[1] This is one of the biggest challenges that any organization could face in change management. Additionally, the environment, in which the FBI operates, is one that is very sensitive and critical to national security. Hence, any decisions regarding IT infrastructure and information sharing needs to be well-considered and all alternatives must be exhausted.

Change management can be challenging in bureaucratic environment/culture. The FBI is a perfect example of a government agency that has bureaucratic processes and clear chain of command. Delegation of power is minimally exercised. Organization needs to change it structure and reengineer its business processes to facilitate change. Also the influence of the employees’ mindsets, using incentives for example, to persuade them into being agents of change. “Of course, the softer cooperation-promoting measures won’t take hold if the harder ones–power structures, metrics, and incentives – don’t reinforce them.”[5] Furthermore, in order for change to happen, there has to be some reinforcement measures taking place.

Prior to the 9/11 tragedies, the FBI has been keeping information in discrete silos, creating an array of inefficiencies. Moreover, this included information sharing within the FBI as well as with various other government agencies. As a result, positive collaboration between the bureau and other intelligence agencies was inefficient. Only with optimal information sharing across the different intelligence agencies the true potential of U.S. intelligence is unleashed. The changes inside the bureau must reflect changes that are happening in the outside environment.

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Read Case FBI The case study begins by a detailed definition of the environment and culture within which the organization operates The internal environment is said to consist of many secrets This is i... View the full answer