Cultural and operational process issues of information technology support in academia: A grounded theory study

The research for this qualitative grounded theory study determined whether cultural and organizational process areas of consequence effect the alignment of the information technology department with the institution it serves. From the analysis of data emerged a grounded theory explaining how four areas of consequence contribute to the misalignment of the information technology department with the rest of campus: change culture, mission, support and resources, and information technology staff. The alignment of information technology grounded theory describes the perceived causes of these areas of consequence, how they influence the effectiveness of the information technology department, and what leadership qualities help to mitigate their effect. Interviews with college and university presidents and chief information officers were the primary method of data collection. The results of this study provide organizational leaders an understanding of these areas of consequence and of what leadership qualities would help the information technology department to increase efficiency and effectiveness in its support of the institution.