Linkages In SAM

Linkages between domains;

This section examines the linkages that exist in SAM. According to Henderson, J. and Venkatraman, N. (1993), these linkages are necessary to insure that all the domains and their respective components work as one unit. The vertical linkage in the model is the strategic fit. This linkage connects both the internal and external domains and highlights that the internal decisions made by the business will determine its position in the external market. Essentially, strategic fit ascribes to the use of both IS and the business strategies to regulate the infrastructure and processes of both the IS and management units. The second linkage is a practical integration. This horizontal linkage is directly in relation to the alignment

2004). This can be displayed in the various ways in which researchers carry out their studies. However, there are certain principles and rules that can be followed in order to guide the actions and beliefs of researchers in their research. These governing principles are referred to as a paradigm (Gephart, R.1999). According to Voce, A. (2004), a paradigm is a model on which research ideologies are built. The three main research paradigms are Positivism, Interpretive and Critical theory. The Interpretive paradigm was chosen as a philosophy informing this study. This paradigm was used because the current study aims to report interpretations of individuals not based on facts but rather based on their attitudes, beliefs, shared meaning and understanding of the phenomenon. The objective was to conceptualize a framework that may inform how alignment of IS and business strategies can be improved in an organization, not necessarily to test or oppose a certain theory in the broader study field of strategic alignment. Mode of

2006). Ragin et al., (2004), further add that it is both interpretive and subjective and enables the researcher to study a social phenomenon. The qualitative research approach was helpful in this study because we are aware of the fact that people can perceive or view the same phenomenon, improving alignment, in different ways. Data was collected specifically from top information systems managers of business organizations of various sizes and types. The participants were chosen carefully to provide the best results for the research. The participants’ selection for this study represented the various divisions and different ranks, inquiring about objectives and strategy. An open-ended questionnaire was sent out to 15 participants in order to obtain diverse views from the organization population. The questionnaires were filled in by participants from various backgrounds in terms of age, gender, length of service, job rank and occupational field, thus representing the diversity of the organization population. Out of the 15 questionnaires emailed, a total of ten (10) questionnaires were returned fully completed. The remaining five (5) were not returned. Semi structured interviews were also conducted to get a clearer result from participants that did not complete their