The Impact of IT Infrastructure Flexibility on Strategic Utilization on Information Systems: A Conceptual Framework

Given the dearth of studies investigating the contribution of information technology infrastructure flexibility on strategic use of information systems, this paper proposed a framework linking the former and the later. In the framework, information systems strategic use is operationalised in three dimensions namely cost leadership, product or service differentiation, and growth advantage. The IT infrastructure flexibility is operationalized in nine dimensions namely compatibility, modularity, connectivity, IT personnel competency, scalability, continuity, rapidity, facility and modernity. The proposed framework is appropriate to be studied using the survey research methodology and the unit of analysis is firm or business organizations.