INFORMATION SYSTEMS AND THE ORGANIZATION: MEASURING ALIGNMENT

Abstract

Achieving alignment between the goals of the information systems (IS) function and the organization as a whole remains a top priority. A perceptual instrument is described that sets out to measure this alignment. It allows organizations to monitor the alignment and effectiveness of their IS function over time and to compare their situation with others. Largescale surveys of different industry sectors and more extensive studies of individual companies in the United States and South Africa have been undertaken using the instrument. The results are used to evaluate the reliability and validity of the instrument. Several hypotheses regarding alignment are tested. The results suggest that the degree of alignment between the importance and performance of specific aspects of IS influences overall perceptions of IS success. This applies to assessments of both IS staff and users. It is also found that IS staff and users are mostly in agreement about the importance of different aspects of IS and the success with which they are being performed, but the extent of this agreement is not a predictor of overall success. Conclusions are drawn regarding the link between alignment and effectiveness of the IS function and recommendations are made for researchers and practitioners.