ABSTRACT
The focus of the research which forms the basis of this study is information technology in the organisation and its potential in a transformational role in the U K retail financial services. Research suggests that the ability to exploit the potential of IT-enabled business transformation depends on the stage of IT development reached. The critical stage is the integration stage when the development of a common IT platform enables the integration of business activities. It is also argued that new structures which facilitate the communication and flow of new ideas are needed to exploit the new business opportunities enabled by IT. In all, this involves organisations in radical change of long established business processes, roles, cultures and working practices. A successful transition and alignment of business and IT strategies requires both technological know-how and an understanding of the dynamics of change in the organisation. People, political and cultural issues, in particular those that relate to leadership, employee participation, and management control, are central to that success.
