IS alignment in small firms: new paths through the maze

Little is understood about the process of alignment of information systems (IS). While the MIT90s model presents one view of how various firm elements are involved in alignment, other research presents alternative paths. These paths are based on research in large businesses and none of the models have been applied to small firms (SMEs). Using multiple case data, this paper investigates alignment in SMEs through understanding how different groups of SMEs use IS. Four new paths are identified for SMEs. Three of these offer only partial alignment. This may partially explain why many SMEs fail to gain the benefits that might be expected from their IS investments. The implications of this for management and research are explored.