In today’s global marketplace IT has taken on a more important role as successful business leaders attempt to adapt to constantly changing circumstances.

Many companies have found new business opportunities in overseas markets, whether it be through outsourcing production, establishing partnerships, or finding a new customer base. However, while it may be a key way to increase sales, many have found that the complexity of doing business has increased as well.

“Globalization by itself means a variety of different things,” said Shouvik Dutta, VP for Information Technology at Hart Schaffner Marx. “It is managing culture, managing time zones, managing disparate people in different countries, and managing costs. So globalization has completely changed the way we think about business, whatever business we are in and wherever we are.”

Hart Schaffner Marx is a global company – they source from around the globe, their brands are global brands – Hart Schaffner Marx, Hickey Freeman, Austin Reed to name a few. Managing vendors and customers along with other business partners is a key to growth in the current economic environment.

Information technology has played a large role in globalization as companies are now more reliant than ever on instantaneous connection and a smooth flow of information between overseas partners. This has thrust IT experts into a much greater business leadership role.

“The reliance of business on IT has really changed the way we think about business leadership.” When merging companies, Dutta points out an example, the prevailing thought was “we’ll get a couple of leaders and they’ll just make that happen. But now, when we talk about mergers and acquisitions, IT has a seat at the table. Business leaders understand the importance of IT. They know if IT does not work, the merger will not be successful.”

Dutta has noticed that because of global partnerships, his own leadership role has changed as he adapts to a much more diverse environment.

“My management style has changed from two different perspectives, and it is a function of my taking more responsibilities in difficult situations,” he said. “First, communication has been key, especially from a globalization perspective. I have had to communicate a global vision and strategy that has changed.”