Measuring strategic alignment in small firms

Abstract

Despite general acceptance of the benefit of aligning IS strategy with organisation strategy, few attempts have been made to define and quantify this alignment relationship. Furthermore, past attempts have largely neglected the specific considerations of small firms. Chart's (1992) instruments were adapted for use in small firms and rigorously tested using eight case firms, from four different industries. The resulting instrument is a significant step towards providing a method for the measurement of strategic alignment. It may prove useful in IS planning by managers and consultants, and by researchers studying the impact of information systems on the performance of small firms.