Personality traits of the enterprise IT application implementation champion

This study attempts to identify personality traits for selecting successful information technology system implementation champions. Given the prominent role champions play implementing such change initiatives, the ability to select champions would give organisations an advantage in such endeavours. Individuals, identified as early adopters involved with implementing an organisational technology system, are surveyed utilising an instrument that classifies personality style preferences based on multiple profiling methods. Although the data suggests a preference for the problem solver and/or the systematic thinker, caution is recommended prior to excluding other profile types. Findings do support certain attributes that may be common to successful implementation champions beyond being good team members and salespersons. This article contributes to the literature by examining these guidepost traits which can be identified using simplified contemporary practitioner profiling instruments that are both cost-effective and timely for leaders in organisations charged with selecting potential champions to optimise the implementation.