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The Role of the CFO of an Industrial Company: An Analysis of the Impact of Blockchain Technology

Author

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  • Philipp Sandner

    (Head of Frankfurt School Blockchain Center, Frankfurt School of Finance & Management, 60322 Frankfurt am Main, Germany)

  • Anna Lange

    (Micobo GmbH, Taunusanlage 8, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany)

  • Philipp Schulden

    (Head of Operations of Frankfurt School Blockchain Center, Frankfurt School of Finance & Management, 60322 Frankfurt am Main, Germany)

Abstract

This qualitative multiple case study explores the influence of blockchain technology on the chief financial officer (CFO) of an industrial company. Due to the advancing digitalization of business sectors and increasing competitive pressures, industrial companies are forced to promote their own digital transformation to sustain on the market. Here, the literature regards the CFO as a key corporate function to induce digitization initiatives within organizations. The blockchain technology, due to its features of transparency, immutability and cryptography combined with its ability to coordinate data flows of e.g., the Internet of Things (IoT) or Artificial Intelligence (AI), constitutes a suitable instrument for the CFO to meet the requirements of Industry 4.0. This paper provides a contribution to address existing research gaps regarding the application side of blockchain technology. Thus, the objective of this work is to provide corporate financial functions, such as the CFO of an industrial company, with an understanding of the extent to which blockchain technology can be used for the role-specific responsibilities. Therefore, the underlying qualitative study explores the influence of blockchain technology on the CFO-function of an industrial company. Thus, intending to address a research gap on the application side, it asks (1) What is the impact of blockchain technology on the financial as well strategic role of the CFO? (2) What is the impact of blockchain technology in convergence with the Machine Economy on the key performance indicators (KPIs) of the CFO? (3) What is the impact of blockchain-enabled integrated business ecosystems on the role of the CFO? Based on a review of literature, semi-structured expert interviews were conducted with 23 participants. Analysis of the responses demonstrated a considerable impact of blockchain technology on the CFO-function. The results indicate improvements of business processes in regard to efficiency and automation, a relocation of the CFO’s strategic role, improvements of CFO-relevant KPIs through integrating machines into payment networks as well as the emergence of integrated business ecosystems facilitating new forms of inter-organizational collaboration. Necessary prerequisites for adoption include digital competences of the CFO, appropriate organizational structures, digital currencies and identities on the blockchain, a change of the competitive mindset as well as standardized platforms with a neutral governance.

Suggested Citation

  • Philipp Sandner & Anna Lange & Philipp Schulden, 2020. "The Role of the CFO of an Industrial Company: An Analysis of the Impact of Blockchain Technology," Future Internet, MDPI, vol. 12(8), pages 1-16, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jftint:v:12:y:2020:i:8:p:128-:d:391941
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Caglio, Ariela & Dossi, Andrea & Van der Stede, Wim A., 2018. "CFO role and CFO compensation: an empirical analysis of their implications," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 88296, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.
    2. Sudip Datta & Mai Iskandar-Datta, 2014. "Upper-echelon executive human capital and compensation: Generalist vs specialist skills," Strategic Management Journal, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 35(12), pages 1853-1866, December.
    3. Marten Risius & Kai Spohrer, 2017. "A Blockchain Research Framework," Business & Information Systems Engineering: The International Journal of WIRTSCHAFTSINFORMATIK, Springer;Gesellschaft für Informatik e.V. (GI), vol. 59(6), pages 385-409, December.
    4. Andoni, Merlinda & Robu, Valentin & Flynn, David & Abram, Simone & Geach, Dale & Jenkins, David & McCallum, Peter & Peacock, Andrew, 2019. "Blockchain technology in the energy sector: A systematic review of challenges and opportunities," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 100(C), pages 143-174.
    5. Jesse Yli-Huumo & Deokyoon Ko & Sujin Choi & Sooyong Park & Kari Smolander, 2016. "Where Is Current Research on Blockchain Technology?—A Systematic Review," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 11(10), pages 1-27, October.
    6. Hoitash, Rani & Hoitash, Udi & Kurt, Ahmet C., 2016. "Do accountants make better chief financial officers?," Journal of Accounting and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 61(2), pages 414-432.
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    Cited by:

    1. Shafique Ur Rehman & Beata Gavurova & Stefano Bresciani & Qingyu Zhang, 2024. "Tech innovation! Industry 4.0 enablers and management initiative on innovation performance: a moderation model," International Entrepreneurship and Management Journal, Springer, vol. 20(4), pages 3223-3254, December.

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