JOURNAL ARTICLE

We're All Programmers Now.

  • Published In: Harvard Business Review, 2023, v. 101, n. 5. P. 98 1 of 3

  • Database: Business Source Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Davenport, Thomas H.; Barkin, Ian; Tomak, Kerem 3 of 3

Abstract

The article focuses on the rise of citizen development, where employees without formal coding backgrounds use generative AI and low-code/no-code tools to create business applications, potentially transforming enterprise IT dynamics. While this democratization of programming can accelerate innovation and free IT professionals to focus on complex tasks, it raises concerns about governance, system quality, and organizational risks such as knowledge loss when developers leave. Case studies from companies like PwC, ING, and AT&T illustrate how structured recruitment, training, infrastructure, community learning, and value measurement are critical to successful citizen-development programs. The article emphasizes the need for enterprises to balance empowerment of citizen developers with proper oversight to harness the benefits of this shift without compromising operational stability.

Additional Information

  • Source:Harvard Business Review. 2023/09, Vol. 101, Issue 5, p98
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Language and Linguistics
  • Publication Date:2023
  • ISSN:0017-8012
  • Accession Number:169856102
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