Dynamic Enterprise Architecture Capabilities: Conceptualization and Validation

Abstract

The notion of enterprise architecture (EA) and EA-based capabilities in IS literature has emerged as an important research domain. However, the conceptualizations of EA-based capabilities remain ambiguous, largely not validated and still lack a firm base in theory. This study, therefore, aims to rigorously conceptualize EA-based capabilities grounded in theory and puts forward the notion of dynamic enterprise architecture capabilities. These capabilities highlight the core areas in which organizations should infuse EA. The purpose of this study is to develop a reliable and valid measurement scale. This scale is validated using item-sorting analyses, expert reviews and an empirical study of 299 CIOs and enterprise architects. The outcomes support the validity and reliability of the scale. The dynamic enterprise architecture capabilities scale developed in this research contributes to theory development and the EA knowledge base. The scale may be used as an assessment or benchmarking tool in practice.