A Multilevel Model for Measuring Fit Between a Firm's Competitive Strategies and Information Systems Capabilities

Authors Competitive Strategy Measures Information Systems Measures Strategic Fit of IS Measures Insights for Measuring Strategic Fit of IS Utility for Measuring Strategic Fit of IS Chan et al. (1997) • Respondents rate how well they agree to statements from Venkatraman’s (1989b) 6-dimension business strategic orientation (STROBE) measure of aggressiveness, analysis, defensiveness, futurity, proactiveness, risk aversion (e.g., “We sacrifice short-term profitability to gain market share”). • Measures apply to firm’s IS portfolio, not specific IS • Respondents rate how well their firm’s IS support each of the 8 STROBE dimensions (e.g., “The systems help us monitor changes in our market share”). • Fit modeled as match between STROBE items and IS support for each STROBE dimension. • Results suggest IS support for STROBE dimensions moderated impact of STROBE items on business performance. • Supports measuring fit using multidimensional configurations rather than contingency relationships. • Advocates modeling strategies as realized patterns of activity rather than intended plans. • STROBE measures suitable for measuring fit of firm’s IS portfolio, but not adapted for specific IS. • Requires 40 to 60 questions to operationalize STROBE and IS support for STROBE constructs. • Does not examine prescriptive utility of approach for measuring and improving fit.