Empirical Research

It is the purpose of this chapter to present the findings of research conducted and estimation of the model that represents the Always-on-Business framework proposed by this book. The model sheds light on the links between the three investigated constructs, demonstrating how business continuity management (BCM) and IT capability work together to improve business performance under regular conditions, rather than just in disaster events. While it is obvious that businesses that have established business continuity plans will be better prepared to deal with situations that arise as a result of a catastrophic event, it is difficult to establish a relationship between BCM investment and business performance when operations are unaffected by a disaster. The model proposed by this book reveals precisely that—the critical role of business continuity management in ensuring business continuity even when operations are unaffected by any disasters. The explanation can be found in the mediating role played by organizational information technology capability. Specifically, BCM enhances a company’s IT capability, which has an indirect effect on business performance even when no business disruptions occur. Thus, BCM and ITC complement one another and act as a predictor of an organization’s operational success in the twenty-first century.