IS Strategic Processes

Abstract

In large, geographically dispersed organizations, achieving a successful Information Systems (IS) strategy can prove very challenging. This case describes how a CIO in such an organization met that challenge by focusing on actions rather than plans, and on bottom-up processes rather than top-down decisions. The CIO keyed on benefitting from employees’ competencies. The organization, here called “NorConstruct,” has few long-term IS strategic plans. Instead, it has developed five different IS strategic themes on a general level. It’s actual IS strategy takes place through different IS projects. The case is told through the CIO and provides rich descriptions of IS strategic processes in NorConstruct, as well as the CIO’s thoughts on the pros and cons. Throughout the case, several relevant reflections are described.