Key Dimensions of Facilitators and Inhibitors for the Strategic Use of Information Technology

An empirical study was conducted to determine key factors that facilitate and inhibit the development of strategic applications of information technology (IT) in business firms. A comparison was made between companies that have used IT applications for strategic purposes and companies that have not. The “relative strength” of the factors is also assessed. Differences in perceptions exist between the two groups of firms. Generally, factors internal to the organization and those that reflect perceived needs play a stronger facilitating role than external factors for both groups of firms. However, “Perceived Needs” play a stronger facilitating role for those that have utilized strategic applications. “Internal Factors” play the strongest inhibiting role for both groups. Firms that utilized strategic applications place more emphasis on IT-related issues as important facilitators. Firms that have not done so place more emphasis on management issues.