IT alignment of performance measurement system: the case of Thai government

Tiyasangthong, Naruemon (2024) IT alignment of performance measurement system: the case of Thai government. PhD thesis, University of Glasgow.

Abstract

This study explores IT alignment in the public sector using the case of Thai government agencies and performance measurement system. The concept of IT alignment highlights the importance of seamlessly integrating organisational objectives with supporting information systems to enhance long-term organisational performance. The ramifications of IT misalignment, such as inefficient resource allocation and project failures, present challenges to organizational objectives. Despite its significant impact, factors influencing alignment have received limited empirical attention, particularly in the context of public organisations. Given its strategic pedigree, IT alignment has been predominantly conceived as a strategic concept largely overlooking the social dimension of aligning. Social IT Alignment (SITA) encounters challenges, notably in users’ resistance, interdepartmental collaboration, and personnel influence. Furthermore, bureaucratic structures significantly impact IT alignment, complicating connections between IT systems, organisations, people, and their practices.

The study explores the post-implementation alignment of IT system to examine misalignment from the perspective of system users. The research explores a bottom-up approach to IT alignment in the public sector, placing emphasis on user experience methodologies. Theoretically, the study builds on alignment literature. Methodologically, the study adopts a case study design focusing on the operation of performance measurement system in Thai government. The study employs a qualitative inductive approach with purposive sampling and analysis of 38 semi-structured interviews.

The findings highlight a nested character of alignment, where the causes of misalignment can be traced to different operational stages including e-Report, e-Reporting, IT projects, and public management systems. Within these stages, the study identifies several factors that hinder alignment. The findings contributing to a nuanced understanding of effective IT alignment strategies tailored for the unique context of the public sector. The exploration integrates a bottom-up approach to IT alignment in the public sector, with a specific focus on the Thai public sector. It delineates the incorporation of user experience methodologies in both IT implementation and information system strategic alignment.

Based on the findings, this study presents a comprehensive framework for IT alignment within a public sector organization. This framework is specifically tailored for facilitating the effective implementation of IT alignment in public organizations. Additionally, the misalignment model incorporates 12 factors categorized into 4 stages. Although limitations in the research may exist, the study proposes avenues for future research to expand upon the current understanding of IT alignment.

• Item Type: Thesis (PhD)
• Qualification Level: Doctoral
• Subjects: H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor > HD28 Management. Industrial Management; Q Science > QA Mathematics > QA76 Computer software
• Colleges/Schools: College of Social Sciences > Adam Smith Business School
• Supervisor's Name: Yeo, Dr. Wee Meng and Morgan-Thomas, Professor Anna
• Date of Award: 2024
• Depositing User: Theses Team
• Unique ID: glathesis:2024-84809
• Copyright: Copyright of this thesis is held by the author.
• Date Deposited: 14 Jan 2025 14:53
• Last Modified: 14 Jan 2025 14:53
• Thesis DOI: 10.5525/gla.thesis.84809
• URI: https://theses.gla.ac.uk/id/eprint/84809