Assessing the impact of proactive versus reactive modes of strategic information systems planning

Integration between business planning (BP) and information systems planning (ISP) is crucial for the information systems (IS) function to more effectively support business strategies. This study examines two modes of ISP – reactive and proactive – as defined by the extent of BP–ISP integration. Questionnaires were sent to 600 firms (addressed to IS executives and business planners) and 157 usable matched responses were received (26.2% response rate). Statistical analyses determined that firms operating in a proactive mode had significantly higher status for IS executive, significantly greater perceived IS contributions to organizational performance and significantly fewer ISP problems than did those operating in a reactive planning mode. Prescriptions such as IS plans should be as comprehensive and complete as possible; and involvement of top managers and users is important for greater perceived benefits of ISP, are made based on the results.