The Role of Trust in IS/Business Alignment

IS/business alignment is an ongoing concern for both IS and other senior managers. Although it is often seen as a progression towards alignment, then full integration, of IS plans and business plans there is increasing evidence that the social dimension of alignment, or IS/business integration, is an equally important aspect. So far there has been no overriding theory for the social dimension of alignment. This paper places it within social capital theory. This theory argues that the development of networks of relationships within a social group is necessary for that group to effectively achieve common goals. I then argue that trust, an essential element in the development of social capital, between IS and business personnel is a prerequisite of IS/business alignment. A brief review of the literature is used to support the argument. This argument is also relevant in many other areas of IS endeavour.