Open AccessIT Strategic Alignment Maturity levels in Kenya
Author(s) -
Stanley Mwangi Chege
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
journal of business theory and practice
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2372-9759
pISSN - 2329-2644
DOI - 10.22158/jbtp.v2n2p203
Subject(s) - harmony (color) , strategic alignment , maturity (psychological) , prioritization , process management , business , strategic management , knowledge management , business process , function (biology) , marketing , computer science , strategic planning , strategic financial management , political science , work in process , art , evolutionary biology , law , visual arts , biology
Strategic alignment focuses on the activities that management performs to achieve cohesive goals across the IT (Information Technology) and other functional organisations (e.g., finance, marketing, H/R, research, manufacturing). Therefore, alignment addresses both how IT is in harmony with the business, and how the business should, or could be in harmony with IT. Alignment evolves into a relationship where the function of IT and other business functions adapt their strategies together. Achieving alignment is evolutionary and dynamic. It is a process that requires strong support from senior management, good working relationships, strong leadership, appropriate prioritization, trust, and effective communication, as well as a thorough understanding of the business and technical environments. Achieving and sustaining alignment demands focusing on maximizing the enablers and minimizing the inhibitors that impact alignment. Once the maturity of IT business alignment is understood, an organisation should be able to identify opportunities for enhancing the harmonious relationship of business and IT.