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Antecedents of IS Strategic Alignment: A Nomological Network

Author

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  • David S. Preston

    (Neeley School of Business, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, Texas 76109)

  • Elena Karahanna

    (Terry College of Business, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602)

Abstract

Alignment of information systems (IS) strategy with business strategy is a top concern of both the chief information officer (CIO) and the top management team (TMT) of organizations. Even though researchers and key decision makers in organizations recognize the importance of IS strategic alignment, they often struggle to understand how this alignment is created. In this paper, we develop a nomological network in which shared understanding between the CIO and TMT about the role of IS in the organization (which represents the social dimension of IS strategic alignment) is posited to be a proximal antecedent of the intellectual dimension of IS strategic alignment. We further posit that shared language, shared domain knowledge manifest in the CIO's business knowledge and the TMT's strategic IS knowledge, systems of knowing (structural and social), and CIO-TMT experiential similarity are important determinants of this shared understanding. Data were collected from 243 matched CIO-TMT pairs. Results largely support the proposed nomological network. Specifically, shared understanding between the CIO and TMT is a significant antecedent of IS strategic alignment. Furthermore, shared language, shared domain knowledge, and structural systems of knowing influence the development of shared understanding between the CIO and the TMT. Contrary to expectations and to findings of prior research, social systems of knowing, representing informal social interactions between the CIO and TMT, and experiential similarity did not have a significant effect on shared understanding.

Suggested Citation

  • David S. Preston & Elena Karahanna, 2009. "Antecedents of IS Strategic Alignment: A Nomological Network," Information Systems Research, INFORMS, vol. 20(2), pages 159-179, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:inm:orisre:v:20:y:2009:i:2:p:159-179
    DOI: 10.1287/isre.1070.0159
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    9. Humayun Zafar & Myung S. Ko & Kweku-Muata Osei-Bryson, 2016. "The value of the CIO in the top management team on performance in the case of information security breaches," Information Systems Frontiers, Springer, vol. 18(6), pages 1205-1215, December.
    10. Lee, Jessica & Elbashir, Mohamed Z. & Mahama, Habib & Sutton, Steve G., 2014. "Enablers of top management team support for integrated management control systems innovations," International Journal of Accounting Information Systems, Elsevier, vol. 15(1), pages 1-25.
    11. Richardson, Vernon J. & Sanchez, Juan Manuel & Setia, Pankaj & Smith, Rodney, 2018. "Determinants and consequences of chief information officer equity incentives," International Journal of Accounting Information Systems, Elsevier, vol. 31(C), pages 37-57.
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    13. Lahcene Makhloufi & Hussein Mohammed Esmail Abu Al-Rejal & Shahimi Mohtar, 2018. "An Analysis the Relationship between IT-Business Strategic Alignment and Intangible IT Resources on the Competitive Advantages Sustainability Moderating Effect of IT Personnel Capability," International Journal of Asian Social Science, Asian Economic and Social Society, vol. 8(12), pages 1170-1179, December.
    14. Huigang Liang & Nianxin Wang & Yajiong Xue & Shilun Ge, 2017. "Unraveling the Alignment Paradox: How Does Business—IT Alignment Shape Organizational Agility?," Information Systems Research, INFORMS, vol. 28(4), pages 863-879, December.
    15. Jan Jöhnk & Philipp Ollig & Patrick Rövekamp & Severin Oesterle, 2022. "Managing the complexity of digital transformation—How multiple concurrent initiatives foster hybrid ambidexterity," Electronic Markets, Springer;IIM University of St. Gallen, vol. 32(2), pages 547-569, June.
    16. Yigitbasioglu, Ogan M., 2015. "External auditors' perceptions of cloud computing adoption in Australia," International Journal of Accounting Information Systems, Elsevier, vol. 18(C), pages 46-62.
    17. Zhen, Jie & Xie, Zongxiao & Dong, Kunxiang, 2021. "Impact of IT governance mechanisms on organizational agility and the role of top management support and IT ambidexterity," International Journal of Accounting Information Systems, Elsevier, vol. 40(C).
    18. Saida Harguem, 2021. "A Conceptual Framework on IT Governance Impact on Organizational Performance: A Dynamic Capability Perspective," Academic Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies, Richtmann Publishing Ltd, vol. 10, January.
    19. Min-Seok Pang & Ali Tafti & M. S. Krishnan, 2016. "Do CIO IT Budgets Explain Bigger or Smaller Governments? Theory and Evidence from U.S. State Governments," Management Science, INFORMS, vol. 62(4), pages 1020-1041, April.
    20. Shao, Zhen, 2019. "Interaction effect of strategic leadership behaviors and organizational culture on IS-Business strategic alignment and Enterprise Systems assimilation," International Journal of Information Management, Elsevier, vol. 44(C), pages 96-108.
    21. Nikola Levkov & Blagoja Gjorgijovski, 2015. "Knowledge Specialization As A Barrier For Social Business/It Alignment," Journal Articles, Center For Economic Analyses, pages 69-80, June.
    22. Prasad, Acklesh & Green, Peter, 2015. "Governing cloud computing services: Reconsideration of IT governance structures," International Journal of Accounting Information Systems, Elsevier, vol. 19(C), pages 45-58.

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