NTT DATA Research Reveals C-Suite Misalignment Over GenAI Adoption

A new study from NTT DATA, a global digital business and IT services leader, has unveiled a significant disconnect among C-suite executives regarding the strategic adoption and implementation of generative AI (GenAI) within their organizations.

The research highlights a worrying misalignment between different leadership roles, potentially hindering the effective integration of this transformative technology.

The complete report, based on a survey of over 500 C-suite executives across various industries, indicates a broad enthusiasm for GenAI’s potential but a lack of consensus on critical aspects such as investment priorities, risk management, and the pace of deployment.

While Chief Technology Officers (CTOs) and Chief Information Officers (CIOs) are keen to accelerate GenAI initiatives for operational efficiencies, Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) often express greater caution regarding immediate ROI and budgetary allocations.

Similarly, Chief Marketing Officers (CMOs) are eager to leverage GenAI for customer engagement and content creation, yet face internal hurdles in securing cross-departmental buy-in and data governance frameworks.

“Our findings reveal that while the C-suite generally recognizes the immense potential of GenAI, there’s a clear divergence in their perspectives on how to best harness it,” stated a spokesperson for NTT DATA’s research division. “This misalignment can lead to fragmented strategies, inefficient resource allocation, and ultimately, a failure to capitalize on GenAI’s competitive advantages.”

The study points to several areas of contention, including data privacy concerns, the ethical implications of AI deployment, and the challenge of upskilling the workforce to adapt to AI-driven changes.

The research emphasizes the critical need for unified leadership and a clear, shared vision to successfully navigate the complexities of GenAI integration. NTT DATA recommends that organizations foster greater inter-departmental collaboration, establish clear governance structures, and prioritize pilot programs that demonstrate tangible business value.

Bridging this C-suite gap will be crucial for companies looking to move beyond experimentation and achieve meaningful, scalable GenAI adoption that drives innovation and sustains long-term growth in an increasingly AI-centric business landscape.