novel spectroscopic approach is presented, which reveals a complete characterization of the quadratic averaged orientation of infrared transition dipole moments in any IR-translucent material. Transmission spectra of the samples are acquired as a function of polarization F and inclination theta, so that the electric field in the sample can be varied in all three dimensions. Based on Maxwells equations and the quantum mechanic transition probabilities, a connection between optical and molecular properties is derived, that enables one to obtain the three-dimensional molecular order matrix or, alternatively, the scalar order parameter and biaxiality. Since the method takes advantage of the specificity of the IR spectral range the initial orientation distribution as well as its response to external excitation can be traced in detail for each molecular moiety. As an example, the results on a smectic liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) under shear are presented. The analysis of different absorption bands of the LCE film in the near-infrared region proves the consistency and versatility of the approach.