Linking the strategic importance of ICT with investment in business-ICT alignment: an explorative framework
Cumps, Bjorn Viaene, Stijn Dedene, Guido (+)
Cumps, Bjorn
Viaene, Stijn
Dedene, Guido (+)
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Publication Type
Journal article
Editor
Supervisor
Publication Year
2010
Journal
International Journal of IT/Business Alignment and Governance
Book
Publication Volume
1
Publication Issue
1
Publication Begin page
39
Publication End page
57
Publication Number of pages
Collections
Abstract
In this article, we introduce a framework that can be used by organizations as a positioning instrument to think of business-ICT alignment decisions in light of the strategic importance of ICT (Information and Communication Technology) in their organization. We make a distinction between organizations where ICT is of high strategic importance and those where ICT is of low strategic importance. Based on this difference we argue that heavily investing in business-ICT alignment processes, structures and roles (PSRs) will not necessarily always be beneficial when ICT is of low strategic importance to the business. Furthermore, organizations that have a minimalist approach to the use of ICT do not necessarily need to invest in business-ICT alignment PSRs. We explain the dynamics and possible migration scenarios of our proposed framework after testing the statistical significance of the relationship between the strategic importance of ICT and the investment in business-ICT alignment. We end this article with a short empirical study which combines survey and case study results. Both the framework and framework dynamics still need further empirical validation, preferably with longitudinal data. Therefore, we stress and acknowledge that many of the discussions in this article are still explorative in nature. However, this article illustrates the possibilities and the need for a more fine-grained approach to business-ICT alignment.