IT: Business Strategic Alignment for Sustainable Performance in Saudi Government Institutions Systematic Literature Review

Abstract

Aligning information technology (IT) with organisational strategy is crucial for achieving a competitive advantage
and enhancing performance. However, evidence on how IT-business strategic alignment operates within Saudi government
institutions remains limited. Methods: This study conducted a systematic literature review of research published in English
between 2013 and 2023. Searches in Scopus, Web of Science, and EBSCO identified 555 scholarly articles. Network-based
keyword analysis was used to map the literature and track the evolution of key themes over time. Results: Findings reveal a
layered conceptual structure. Central themes such as IT strategy, strategic alignment, organisational performance, IT
governance, and digital transformation form the core of the field. Additional influential areas include communication, IT
infrastructure flexibility, sustainability, and cybersecurity. Keywords like innovation, change management, and knowledge
management connect otherwise distinct topic clusters, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of the field. Persistent
challenges include communication gaps, weak IT governance, and rigid IT architecture, whereas successful alignment
enhances efficiency, trust in IT, and organisational performance. Contribution: The study proposes a framework specific to
IT-business strategic alignment in Saudi public institutions, integrating insights from literature and network analysis to model
sustainable organisational performance. The framework supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 digital transformation goals and
offers practical guidance for policymakers and IT leaders.