THE RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN IT FLEXIBILITY, IT-BUSINESS STRATEGIC ALIGNMENT, AND IT CAPABILITY

Abstract

What seems to still be the main concern for managers in the corporate world across the globe is ITbusiness strategic alignment. This study seeks to address the research problem about the lack of alignment between IT and business strategies. Upon reviewing various literature on this subject, it was found that IT flexibility is one of the most vital factors that help sustain strategic alignment. The researcher upon having a detailed discussion on the possible areas associated with the present body of knowledge has discovered gaps in the studies that have been undertaken on strategic alignment and IT flexibility. This is because IT capability in relation to IT flexibility and strategic alignment has been ignored in the previous studies. As a result, this research proposes a relationship between IT flexibility (i.e., modularity, connectivity and compatibility), IT capability, and strategic alignment.