A practice-based methodology to enlighten strategic alignment research

James Holohan, Joe McDonagh

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

Strategic alignment (SA) has been researched extensively since it first emerged in the early 1990s as a theme within the information systems (IS) strategy domain. The current research trajectory for SA is limited given the predominantly static focus placed on the concept to date, hence we know relatively little about what practitioners do in their day-to-day activity to achieve SA. We therefore propose a practice-based research methodology to help close this knowledge gap. More specifically, we propose joining together, the three pillars of, a Strategy-as-Practice lens, the constructivist grounded theory coding method and case study research design. This practice-based methodology will aid construction of mid-range theory that will have practical relevance in terms of how SA is practiced by practitioners. We recommend applying the methodology to two new research avenues, as a means to build mid-range theory to help us better understand what practitioners actually do, in their day-to-day activity to achieve SA.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationInformation Systems - 14th European, Mediterranean, and Middle Eastern Conference, EMCIS 2017, Proceedings
EditorsVincenzo Morabito, Marinos Themistocleous
PublisherSpringer-Verlag GmbH and Co. KG
Pages515-530
Number of pages16
ISBN (Print)9783319659299
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2017
Event14th European, Mediterranean, and Middle Eastern Conference on Information Systems, EMCIS 2017 - Coimbra, Portugal
Duration: 7 Sep 20178 Sep 2017

Publication series

NameLecture Notes in Business Information Processing
Volume299
ISSN (Print)1865-1348

Conference

Conference14th European, Mediterranean, and Middle Eastern Conference on Information Systems, EMCIS 2017
Country/TerritoryPortugal
CityCoimbra
Period7/09/178/09/17

Keywords

  • Mid-Range theory
  • Practice-based methodology
  • Strategic alignment
  • Strategy-as-Practice

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