The transformative role of bimodal IT in an era of digital business

Abstract

Digital transformation is challenging the traditional expectations of the IT function, as organizations demand a more agile IT function, capable of exploring innovative uses of IT in a digital business context. Using qualitative executive interview data, this paper explores the bimodal approach organizations can use to create an IT function that effectively supports and drives the organization's digital agenda. The study finds that for many organizations, a bimodal IT design, of which we found three distinct archetypes to exist, serves as a transitional stage in the pursuit of embedding a higher level of agility and a stronger exploration focus in the IT function, which ultimately operates unimodal. This study's investigation into bimodal IT has significant implications for how the IT function transforms in the digital business era and is of relevance to practitioners as digital transformation affects organizational structure, culture, and methods of working.