Communications in computer and information science: Assumptions for business and IT alignment achievement

Abstract

A key factor for a successful organization, in a current dynamic environment, is effective information technology (IT) supporting business strategies and processes. Aligning IT with business depends on many factors, including the level of communication and cooperation between top management of organizations and top management of IT departments. This paper builds on the rules published in [5] which create prerequisites for the achievement of business and IT alignment. The paper discusses the outcomes of the survey realized in six hundred organizations operating on the Czech market. The survey aimed to determine whether the organization meets the basic assumptions, for it to be potentially mature in business/IT alignment, in order to select such organizations for future research into this matter. Characteristics of such organizations were deduced from the survey data. Survey results and analyses provide the base and direction for further business/IT alignment maturity research. © 2011 Springer-Verlag.