The global skills and competency framework for the digital world

Levels of responsibility: Level 7 - Set strategy, inspire, mobilise

Essence of the level: Operates at the highest organizational level, determines overall organizational vision and strategy, and assumes accountability for overall success

This is a prototype for SFIA 9. It is subject to change before publication.

Guidance notes

(new)

The SFIA Levels are levels of responsibility. As they progress, the levels describe increasing impact, responsibility and accountability in the workplace.

  • the generic attributes of autonomy, influence and complexity indicate the level of responsibility
  • the business skills/behavioural factors describe the behaviours required to be effective at the level of responsibility
  • the knowledge attributes describe what you need to know to meet your level of responsibility.

Understanding these attributes will guide you in getting the most out of SFIA and are also critical to understanding and applying the levels described in the SFIA skill descriptions.

Autonomy

Defines and leads the organisation’s vision and strategy within over-arching business objectives. Is fully accountable for actions taken and decisions made, both by self and others to whom responsibilities have been assigned.  

Influence

Directs, influences and inspires the strategic direction and development of the organisation at the highest levels. Authorises the appointment of required resources.

Complexity

Performs extensive strategic leadership in delivering business value through vision, governance and executive management.

Knowledge

Has strategic and broad-based knowledge that is applied in shaping organisational strategy, anticipating future industry trends and preparing the organisation to adapt and lead.

Business skills / Behavioural factors

Decision making

  • Makes decisions critical to the organisational strategic direction and success. Escalates when business executive management input is required through established governance structures. 
Planning

  • Plans and leads at the highest level of authority over all aspects of a significant area of work. 
Collaboration

  • Drives collaboration, engaging with leadership stakeholders ensuring alignment to corporate vision and strategy. 
  • Builds strong, influential relationships with customers, partners and industry leaders.
Problem solving

  • Manages inter-relationships between impacted parties and strategic imperatives, recognising the broader business context and drawing accurate conclusions when resolving problems.
Creativity

  • Champions creativity and innovation in driving strategy development to enable business opportunities.
Communication

  • Communicates persuasively and convincingly on business objectives to audiences at all levels within own organisation and industry.
Leadership

  • Leads strategic management.
  • Applies the highest level of leadership to the formulation and implementation of strategy.
  • Establishes governance to address business risk.
  • Communicates the potential impact of emerging practices and technologies on organisations and individuals and assesses the risks of using or not using such practices and technologies. 
  • Ensures proposals align with the strategic direction of the organisation. 
  • Fosters a learning and growth culture across the organisation. 
Adaptability and resilience

  • Champions organisational agility and resilience. Embeds adaptability into organisational culture and strategic planning.
Learning and professional development

  • Ensures the organisation develops and mobilises the full range of required skills and capabilities.
  • Inspires a learning culture to align with business objectives.   
  • Maintains an understanding and awareness of contemporary and emerging industry landscapes. 
Digital mindset

  • Leads the development of the organisation’s digital DNA and the transformational vision.  Advances capability and/or exploitation of technology within one or more organisations through a deep understanding of the industry and the implications of emerging technologies.
  • Accountable for assessing how laws and regulations impact organisational objectives and its use of digital, data and technology capabilities.
Security, privacy and ethics

  • Provides clear direction and strategic leadership for the implementation of compliance and organisational culture and working practices, and actively promotes diversity and inclusivity.