Connecting the Role of the Information Technology Function to its Contribution to the Organization

ABSTRACT

We investigate whether the information technology (IT) function’s competence and role affect organizational ambidexterity. We first hypothesize that IT function competence is positively related to organizational ambidexterity. Following this, we suggest that the role of the IT function moderates the aforementioned relationship. We test our hypotheses with a matched pair sample of business managers and IT managers. Our results show that IT function competence positively influences organizational ambidexterity. Furthermore, this relationship is stronger when the IT function aims to be an active business partner or aims to reduce architectural complexity. Our study contributes to research on the IT function and IT value.

KEYWORDS:

• IT function
• IT function role
• IT function competence
• IT value
• ambidexterity

Notes

¹ Our contract with Qualtrics specified a minimum 100 matched-pair responses, so Qualtrics closed the survey when just over 100 responses were collected. As a result, it is difficult to calculate a meaningful response rate. To ensure that respondents were from the same firm, we calculated difference scores for our firm age measure. We discarded observation-pairs in instances where the two respondents’ scores differed.

² We assessed the measurement properties of exploration and exploitation before we calculated ambidexterity scores. Model fit indices and standardized factor loadings provided support for convergent validity; chi-square difference tests provided support for discriminant validity; and Cronbach’s alpha values supported construct reliability. Thus, we felt confident in the validity and reliability of our exploration and exploitation measures.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Nicholas Roberts

Nicholas Roberts is an associate professor of computer information systems in the College of Business at Colorado State University. He received his Ph.D. from Clemson University. His research focuses on digital innovation and organizational learning.

Jennifer E. Gerow

Jennifer E. Gerow is an associate professor in the Economics and Business Department at Virginia Military Institute. She holds a BS degree in biological sciences with a minor in secondary education, an MBA, and a Ph.D. in management (concentration: information systems) from Clemson University. Her research interests are IT–business strategic alignment, power and politics in the workplace, and drivers of IT use/resistance.