Strategic Alignment: Leveraging Information Technology for transforming Organizations
Based on the paper of J.C. Henderson, N. Venkatraman (1993)
by
Philipp Maderthaner
A. Summary
Henderson and Venkatraman proposed a model for business ? IT alignment; it was intended to support the integration of information technology (IT) into business strategy by advocating alignment between and within four domains (see figure 1). The inter-domain alignment is pursued along two dimensions: strategic fit (between the external and internal domain) and functional integration (between the business domain and the IT domain). The objective of this model was to provide a way to align information technology with business objectives in order to realise value from IT investments. The authors argued that the potential strategic impact of information technology requires both an understanding of the critical components of IT strategy and its role in supporting and shaping business strategy decisions and a process of continuous adaptation and change. Hence, they presented a model that defines the range of strategic choices facing managers.
Figure 1 Strategic Alignment Model
Two main imperatives for managers are pointed out by Venkatraman and Henderson: First, similar to business strategy, IT strategy has to consider both internal as well as external aspects. Second, both internal/external alignment as well as functional integration must be taken into account. Only one of them is not sufficient.
Overview about the four dominant alignment perspectives:
1. Strategy execution
This strategy assumes that an articulated business strategy is the driver of both organizational design choices and the design of IT infrastructure. The al ...