In this self-published volume, the first of what he promises will be a trilogy, Strassmann tackles the tough issues of the politics of information management and presents a set of guidelines based on his long experience. Thus, the CEO is responsible for deciding where and how information systems should be applied, and the CIO is responsible for IS effectiveness and efficiency. The book centers on Strassmann's view that the optimal organization is a federation, much as outlined in the US Constitution. In a federation, power is balanced between a central unit and a number of constituent units, whereas in a confederation all authority remains with the constituent units unless they agree to delegate specific powers to the collective body. In Strassmann's view, the US is a federation whereas NATO is a confederation.
Many corporations claim to be federations but are really confederations.
In such an environment, Strassmann argues, a CIO with a federated mission cannot succeed. Strassmann uses the constitutional model to develop a seven-layer information constitution. Strassmann presents the layers and proceeds to lay out the elements of a model constitution. The basic idea throughout is to achieve a balance of power between the center and the divisions. As you read through the book, it becomes clear that Strassmann believes that the role of the center is essential.