Abstract:
The rapid expansion of technology over the last few decades has changed individual expectations of both private and public sector entities. Municipal organizations are feeling the pressure to respond to a citizenry that is accustomed to around the clock service and near-instantaneous response when demanding information or services. To address such, organizations must ensure a properly placed and strategically aligned information technology function. This is of particular concern to small cities where budgets are small, talent is difficult to obtain, and leadership is not well versed in the benefits of information technology. This inquiry investigates the perception of information technology strategic alignment among small city technology leadership. Factors influencing that perception are considered, and the relationship to actual observable strategic alignment is studied. This study builds upon a noted lack of research in this regard on smaller public sector entities.