Cloud computing: The Nexus of Strategy and Technology

Abstract

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to analyse the impact of Cloud technologies on management practices and business strategies. It considers the role of human resource management (HRM) departments in supporting the organisational changes required for the introduction and integration of Cloud business strategies. Design/methodology/approach - The study uses a qualitative exploratory research approach. It utilises the resource view of the firm and transaction costs economics (TCE) to support the analysis. It synthesises the literature with the qualitative interview data. Findings - Cloud business models require organisations to focus on the nexus of business strategies and information and communication technology (ICT) capabilities. HRM departments can play a positive role in this process by better integrating ICT sections into business decision-making processes. Cloud technologies may further change ICT worker functions and roles. Research limitations/implications - Qualitative research approaches may limit the generality of the findings. However they allowed for an in-depth analysis of complex Cloud related data that quantitative approaches may not have elicited. Practical implications - The paper outlines a strategic "holistic" approach for organisations shifting to Cloud-based business models. Social implications - The paper examines the likely impacts of Cloud technologies on potential ICT worker redundancies. Originality/value - The Cloud as the nexus of ICT and business and the potential role of HRM in facilitating shifts to Cloud business models have been under-researched areas to date. The paper is therefore of value to ICT, HRM and business strategy focused academics and practitioners.