Theories to Understand the Dynamic Nature of Enterprise Architecture

Understanding and dealing with the dynamic nature of Enterprise Architecture (EA) is a key challenge in successfully guiding its long-term evolution. While a considerable number of publications offer prescriptive knowledge on the design of Enterprise Architecture Management (EAM), explanations and descriptions of the dynamic nature of EA are rare. This is surprising, as an improved understanding on the dynamic nature of EA could enhance the tools and guidelines used in EAM. This paper aims at systematically identifying, discussing and comparing theories that have been applied to better to understand, explain and deal with the dynamic nature of EA. Based on a literature review, five distinct theories are identified and analyzed through a framework covering the main aspects of dynamics in EA. The resulting overview may support academics in identifying suitable theoretical lenses and motivates for a multi-theoretical perspective on the dynamic nature of EA.