It is very important for managers to have at least some understanding of the field they manage over. Especially with IT. There is still a lot of ignorance out there about even some of the simple processes we take for granted.
Personally, I wouldn't want someone who knew little about technology going up against a management board to approve a budget for equipment, software, etc.
What about accountability? If Tech A is a hard worker, gets many projects done during the, and cares about the job, and Tech B does nothing but read webcomics and maybe finishes a couple projects per week. I would want my manager to know the difference. I have seen situations where the manager was completely clueless to this kind of activity.
What about Policy? I have been in situations were the manager had no clue to anythinig in tech, and literally took the PHB Standpoint of "If I don't understand it, then it must not take very long" and the IT department was run ragged (and yes these were two different managers)
Mangers Don't need to know enough to do your job for you, but they have to know enough to be able to be able to defend your position in the face of other management.
in summery , they need to know what your talking about so they can tell others - they represent your department. they need to know what you do, and generally how long it takes to finish it for accountability, and they need to be able to pitch/defend purchases to a purchasing board.
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It is very important for managers to have at least some understanding of the field they manage over. Especially with IT. There is still a lot of ignorance out there about even some of the simple processes we take for granted.
Personally, I wouldn't want someone who knew little about technology going up against a management board to approve a budget for equipment, software, etc.
What about accountability?
If Tech A is a hard worker, gets many projects done during the, and cares about the job, and Tech B does nothing but read webcomics and maybe finishes a couple projects per week. I would want my manager to know the difference. I have seen situations where the manager was completely clueless to this kind of activity.
What about Policy? I have been in situations were the manager had no clue to anythinig in tech, and literally took the PHB Standpoint of "If I don't understand it, then it must not take very long" and the IT department was run ragged (and yes these were two different managers)
Mangers Don't need to know enough to do your job for you, but they have to know enough to be able to be able to defend your position in the face of other management.
in summery , they need to know what your talking about so they can tell others - they represent your department. they need to know what you do, and generally how long it takes to finish it for accountability, and they need to be able to pitch/defend purchases to a purchasing board.
Hope that helps