IT governance cannot be approached in a haphazard manner. There is no turnkey solution or vanilla procedure that will magically embed IT governance into an organization. While not prescriptive, IT governance is top-down and principles-based. To be successful, it requires structured, systematic thinking and an understanding of an organization’s personality traits. It further requires ownership and sponsorship at the senior management/executive level. It is essential that business and IT senior and operational management create awareness and involvement for the IT governance initiative.

Investing up-front effort to understand the various facets and idiosyncrasies of a company’s personality will help clarify the style of governance that will harmonize with, and be supported by, the corporate culture, the business model, and the operational environment.

It will also help determine what industry framework(s) can be used to craft a robust IT governance program. Failure to invest in the required effort will generate pushback and discontent from stakeholders and will inevitably weaken the effectiveness of IT governance within the organization.

Full article in the Cutter IT Journal  itj0912_NR