IT Planning Effectiveness in a Developing Country

Abstract

This paper sheds light on information technology planning in a developing country. Specifically, it examines the influence of some contextual factors on information technology planning effectiveness in Kuwait. Our analysis reveals some expected results and a few unexpected findings. Consistent with past information technology planning research, we found that management involvement, informed information technology management, and liberal government policies are related positively to information technology planning effectiveness. Inconsistent with previous research and with our postulation, we found no support for a positive relationship between information technology penetration, user involvement, and adequacy of financial resources and information technology planning effectiveness. A discussion of these results in light of the cultural differences between developed and developing countries and suggestions for practice and future research are advanced.