Interaction and linkages between business and information technology
(IT) strategies remain a primary concern among executives. This study
aims to gain an in depth understanding of how companies achieve
alignment and the policy framework that underlies the efforts,
particularly those that are associated with the most dominant factor
that contributes to the establishment of strategic alignment, namely IT
infrastructure flexibility. For that purpose, the study explored four
companies engaged in the field of oil, electricity, and communication by
adopting interpretive case study. Data were gathered using
triangulation methods via field interviews, artifacts, document
analysis, as well as direct observation. The textual data were
elaborated by an intentional analysis in order to guide the study in
exploring the phenomenon. The study identified elements that reflect IT
infrastructure flexibilities namely connectivity, compatibility,
modularity, IT staff knowledge and skills, and integration. Those
elements cover both technical and behavioral dimensions of a company's
components that need to be included in the consideration during the
planning phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]