Aligning Strategy and Information and Communication Technology in Public Organizations: A Critical Management Challenge - Information and Communication Technologies in Public Administration - page 140

7.6.3 Organization Structure ................................................................. 151
7.6.4 Stakeholder Engagement and Management .................................. 151
7.6.5 Investment Governance ................................................................ 152
7.6.6 Resistance to Change .................................................................... 152
7.7 Crafting a Process Approach to Strategic Alignment ................................ 152
7.7.1 Strategic Activities ........................................................................ 153
7.7.2 Issue Identification ........................................................................ 153
7.7.3 Issue Diagnosis .............................................................................15 4
7.7.4 Option Conception and Selection .................................................15 4
7.7.5 Realization Activities ....................................................................15 4
7.8 Toward an Agenda for Further Inquiry .................................................... 155
7.8.1 Toward a Role-Based Perspective on Strategic Alignment ............. 155
7.8.2 Toward a Networks-Based Perspective on Strategic Alignment ..... 155
7.8.3 Toward an Interdisciplinary Perspective on Strategic Alignment ..... 15 6
7.8.4 Toward an Ambidextrous Capability Perspective on Strategic
Alignment ..................................................................................... 15 6
7.9 Conclusion ............................................................................................... 157
Key Terms and Definitions ................................................................................ 158
Author Biographies ........................................................................................... 158
References ......................................................................................................... 159
Abstract
The challenge in aligning strategy and information and communication
technologies (ICTs), commonly referred to as strategic alignment, has
persisted as a key issue for ICT management for many years now. The
purpose of this chapter is to provide insights into the strategic align-
ment construct as it relates to public organizations based on an assess-
ment of empirical works. Over time, strategic alignment has evolved,
and greater understanding about the intricate nature of the concept
has become known. Impediments to strategic alignment efficacy that
serve to obstruct the maximization of value are discussed. A perspective
on strategy process as a useful mechanism by which to align strategy
and ICT highlights some key activities for consideration. While much
has been discovered in relation to strategic alignment, a good deal
continues to elude us, particularly in relation to public organizations,
and some potential opportunities to advance further inquiry into this
important management domain are presented.
Keywords: alignment, e-government, ICT, ICT management, ICT
strategy, ICT strategy-making, public organization, strategic alignment,
strategy, strategy process