(Organizational Factors Required For Information Technology-Business Alignment)

Abstract

Purpose – This study aims to examine the antecedent factors of IT (Information Technology) and business strategies alignment. Design/Method/Approach – By using the survey method the effect of ten factors derived from the relevant literature on the IT-Business alignment. We acquired the perspectives of 71 executives from middle to large sized firms registered to Ankara Chamber of Commerce (ATO) on those factors’ effect on alignment and we also checked the effectiveness of these factors with actual measures by correlating their perceived success in these factors with their IT alignment level. Findings – We found out that our ten factors collectively have a high correlation (r=.723) with the Business-IT alignment score. Three factors appeared to be strongly effective in attaining IT-business alignment: executive support for IT, commitment to strategic use of IT, business-IT planning integration, IT staff understands business. Discussion – Findings revealed that relational and managerial dimensions are more important than technical approaches to achieve IT-Business alignment. It is emphasized that especially IT management should be included in business processes and planning and senior management should provide firm support for information systems projects.