Jentsch, ChristianChristianJentschReitz, AndreasAndreasReitzBeimborn, DanielDanielBeimborn0000-0002-6294-02122019-09-192017-08-012017978-1-4503-5037-2https://fis.uni-bamberg.de/handle/uniba/42280Due to increasing specialization of business models, business systems nowadays can be very complex. To handle the extensive amount of information in a complex business system, the system needs to be supported by an appropriate IT system. However, for the IT unit it can be a challenging task to implement an appropriate IT system in complex business environment. In our research, we argue that mutual understanding among business and IT plays a critical role in the successful management of the business system. To achieve a mutual understanding, the complexity needs to be reduced by a modularization of the system. In our empirical study, based on 119 survey responses, we found that process modularity only in combination with an IT architecture that matches the modular process structure enables a profound mutual understanding. While modular business processes enable mutual understanding of the business strategy, an IT architecture which matches the modular process facilitates mutual understanding of the business process.engconferenceobject10.1145/3084381.3084412