Information Technology Architecture as a Competitive Advantage-yielding Resource: A Theoretical Perspective

The implementation and utilization of an organizational architecture, specifically information technology architecture (ITA), can enable better management of information technology (IT) resources. Whereas predecessors of the ITA tend to focus more on systems development, data sharing, and systems integration efforts within the organization, this particular organizational architecture tends to focus more on the governance of IT resources within the organization. We propose that the ITA is an IT resource that enables firms to achieve competitive advantage. Therefore, we endeavor to theoretically analyze the ITA’s ability to yield a competitive advantage through the mediation of IT resources. We establish the ITA as competitive advantage-yielding IT resource. Additionally, this study applies the theories of complementarities and resource-based view. Ten propositions are advanced to help guide future research.