Purpose

The purpose of this research is to contribute towards a deeper understanding of the strategic alignments influence on the purchaser and how the alignment can be constructed to be more supportive for the purchaser.

Methodology

The empirical data were collected through interviews and document studies. A qualitative approach was used to get an in-depth understanding of the strategic alignment and its influence on the purchaser. The conclusions drawn in this study are based on the empirical findings and the constructed theoretical framework.

Findings

The authors identify 12 enablers/disablers that influence the purchaser’s ability to make strategically aligned decisions. Furthermore, the authors have conducted five propositions on what firms should consider when constructing their strategic alignment in order to enable the purchaser to make strategically aligned decisions

Research limitations

This research will be limited to the purchasing function and it will only embrace the internal integration connected to purchase. Thereby, the external orientation e.g. the effects from the supply-chain on the purchasing function and other effecting contexts will be outside the scope of this research.

Implications

This research provides a model that illustrates the areas connected to strategic alignment and enables both managers and researchers to map the construction of the strategic alignment in an easy and visualized manner. Together with the enablers/disablers and propositions managers and researchers will be able to recognize potential pitfalls and opportunities regarding the construction of firm’s strategic alignment.

Originality / value

To the researchers knowledge this is the first research that provides an in-depth understanding of how the strategic alignment influences the purchasers ability to make strategically aligned decisions.