IT Alignment and Performance: A Study in UAE Higher Education Institutions

Abstract

Purpose: This study investigates the impact of IT alignment on institutional performance in United Arab Emirates (UAE) higher education institutions. Moreover, the study adopts a theoretical framework of IT alignment in education, encompassing IT governance, IT competence, IT communications, IT partnership, IT scope, and architecture, as well as IT skills, in an effort to explore the aforementioned components’ impact on the performance of higher education institutions, in particular Zaid University. Design/Methodology/Approach: Using a cross-sectional approach, data are gathered from 310 Zaid University employees through a questionnaire strategy and analyzed using partial least squares under structural equation modeling to explore the relationships among IT alignment components, IT flexibility, and institutional performance. Findings: The study reveals a significant positive effect of IT alignment, while IT flexibility moderates the relationship between IT alignment components and institutional performance. Research, Practical & Social Implications: This study contributes to IT literature, by highlighting the role of IT in enhancing institutional performance, emphasizing the importance of IT governance and competence at the senior management level. It offers practical and social implications for leveraging IT to improve the quality of education and work efficiency. Originality/Value: This study advances the understanding of IT alignment in education, showcasing its positive impact on institutional performance and the interplay between senior management IT competency and IT-business alignment. Additionally, it enriches the existing body of knowledge on IT governance through empirical insights garnered from practical investigations.