| In today's world, information technology leadership in higher education is expected to demonstrate strategic thinking in meeting institutional goals with innovative technological solutions. Research literature has highlighted the importance of strategic thinking and information technology alignment in higher education. Minimal research has explored the relationship of these two constructs for senior IT leaders working in higher education.;This study explored Chief Information Officers (CIO) and senior IT leaders in higher education and the relationship of strategic thinking capability and IT alignment maturity. The participants completed an online survey that incorporated Strategic Thinking Questionnaire (STQ) and Strategic Alignment Model Maturity (SAMM) instruments. The Strategic Thinking Questionnaire examines strategic thinking along three cognitive dimensions: (1) reflection, (2) reframing, and (3) systems thinking. Strategic Alignment Model Maturity considers IT alignment maturity along six dimensions: (1) communication, (2) competency and value measurement, (3) governance, (4) partnership, (5) infrastructure and architecture, and (6) human resource skills.;The results showed statistically significant positive correlation between strategic thinking and IT alignment maturity scales. The subscales of the two instruments demonstrated statistically significant positive correlations between reflection and communication, reflection and competency, reframing and communication, and systems thinking and competency. There were statistically significant positive correlations between age and the dimensions of IT alignment maturity (communication, competency, governance, partnership, infrastructure, and human resource). IT experience had statistically significant positive correlations with the dimensions of IT alignment maturity (communication, competency, governance, partnership, infrastructure, and human resource). Education had statistically significant positive correlations with both competency and governance. Additionally, age, IT experience, and education had significant positive correlations with the overall IT alignment maturity scale.;From a practice perspective, strategic thinking is a critical skill for senior IT leaders. Reflection, reframing, and systems thinking dimensions influence IT alignment maturity, especially the communication and competency dimensions. For higher education IT leadership, education and experience are important in achieving IT alignment maturity.;From a theory perspective, this study contributed to the understanding of the constructs of strategic thinking and IT alignment maturity. There has been a paucity of research related to the relationship of strategic thinking and IT alignment maturity in higher education IT leadership. This study sets the stage for future empirical research of these constructs for senior IT leadership in higher education.;Keywords: strategic thinking, IT alignment, higher education, Chief Information Officer, CIO, senior IT leadership. |
