Information Systems Strategy for Multi-National Corporations: Towards an Operational Model and Action List

Abstract

The development and implementation of information systems strategy in multi-national corporations (MNCs) faces particular challenges—cultural differences and variations in work values and practices across different countries, numerous technology landscapes and legacy issues, language and accounting particularities, and differing business models. This article builds upon the existing literature and in-depth interviews with eighteen industry practitioners employed in six MNCs to construct an operational model to address these challenges. The research design is based on an inductive, qualitative approach that develops an initial conceptual framework—derived from the literature—into an operational model, which is then applied and refined in a case study company. The final model consists of change components and process phases. Six change components are identified that drive and underpin IS strategy—business strategy, systems projects, technology infrastructure, process change, skills and competencies, and costs and benefits. Five core process phases are recognized—review, align, engage, execute, and control. The model is based on the interaction between these two dimensions—change components and process phases—and an action list is also developed to support the application of the model, which contributes to the theory and practice of information systems deployment in MNCs.