NAVIGATING THE LANDSCAPE OF IT OPERATING MODELS OR “HOW IT WORKS”
Journal
European Conference on Information Systems (ECIS)
Type
conference paper
Date Issued
2026-06-15
Author(s)
Research Team
IWI6
Abstract
In today’s fast-paced business environment, IT Operating Models (ITOMs), invisible frameworks that define how the IT function works, are emerging as a critical, overlooked factor in determining an organization’s ability to innovate and compete. Organizations struggle to unlock strategic value due to misalignments in their ITOMs. The business-IT alignment literature demonstrates that strategic fit enhances performance but offers limited guidance on how alignment is operationalized in practice. Against this backdrop, this study presents a multi-layer ITOM taxonomy including 16 dimensions and 60 characteristics. Developed through interviews with C-level executives, our taxonomy reveals how organizations structure their IT and translates strategic alignment into operational reality. Our analysis identifies two archetypes: tech-forward organizations, where IT serves as a strategic driver for innovation, and less tech-forward, where IT remains a support function. The research advances theoretical understanding of ITOM design and offers practical guidance for CIOs aiming to harness the potential of IT.
Language
English
Keywords
IT Operating Model
Taxonomy
IT Function
Business-IT-Alignment
HSG Classification
contribution to scientific community
Refereed
Yes
Publisher place
Milano, Italy
Volume
2026
Pages
17
Event Title
European Conference on Information Systems (ECIS)
Event Location
Milano, Italy
Event Date
15.06.2026
Subject(s)
Division(s)
File(s)![Thumbnail Image]()
Name
JML_1060.pdf
Size
472.79 KB
Format
Adobe PDF
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