IT Planning Effectiveness in a Developing Country

Abstract

This paper sheds light on information technology planning in a developing country. Specifically, it examines the influence of some contextual factors on information technology planning effectiveness in Kuwait. Our analysis reveals some expected results and a few unexpected findings. Consistent with past information technology planning research, we found that management involvement, informed information technology management, and liberal government policies are related positively to information technology planning effectiveness. Inconsistent with previous research and with our postulation, we found no support for a positive relationship between information technology penetration, user involvement, and adequacy of financial resources and information technology planning effectiveness. A discussion of these results in light of the cultural differences between developed and developing countries and suggestions for practice and future research are advanced.

KEY WORDS:

• Information Technology Planning
• Effectiveness
• Contextual Factors
• National Culture
• Developing Countries
• Kuwait

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Adel M. Aladwani

Adel M. Aladwani is an associate professor of Information Systems at Kuwait University. His publications have appeared or are forthcoming in journals such as The DATABASE of Advances in Information Systems, Information & Management, Journal of End User Computing, Journal of Global Information Technology Management, and many other international journals and conferences. Adel is a winner of the Best Young Researcher Award from Kuwait University. His research interests include IT in developing countries, the performance of IT Projects, and the management of emerging technologies such as the Internet.