The Information Technology (IT) potential in supporting strategies and the organizational success is based on executives' ability in perceiving the value and effects of IT investments in businesses. In this article, Brazilian and North-American banking executives perceptions are analyzed with regard to IT effects in the strategic organizational variables. The study points out the similarity of perception among Brazilian and North-American executives as well as among executives of IT areas and other areas. Four variables affected by IT are the main determinants of competitiveness in the banking industry: governments and countries' requirements; clients; cost structure and capacity; products and services.
IT; IT investment; IT impact; banking; competitiveness