Scholars describe the hazards of implementing systems in an unsuspecting culture. Fortunately, practitioners have recognized the havoc that system implementations can wreak on departments, subcultures and organizations if the efforts are undertaken with a technocentric focus and without consideration for the existing culture. In fact, forward-thinking institutions are already working from proactive strategic principles that integrate information technology initiatives, culture (values, beliefs and goals) and the organization as a whole. These principles familiarize the organization with the challenges and opportunities offered by information technologies, foster
collaboration for the development of information technology initiatives and build a foundation from which IT and the organization can partner in the pursuit of new initiatives.