IT governance is a foundational structure through which an organization manages its IT systems, processes and objectives to align with the organization's overall business objectives. In other words, IT governance provides a framework for directing the activities, goals and operations of the IT department to ensure that the growth and use of technology meets the needs of other departments and the entire organization.

What is data governance, and why is it important? Governance of an IT department is critical because it ensures the department remains on track to meet its objectives. It's a way of managing risk, as well as ensuring the planned, efficient allocation of resources. IT governance also provides a framework for aligning the company with all IT-related compliance requirements under applicable legal regulations.

If you’re interested in studying how IT can be used to further business objectives, consider enrolling in an IT-related degree at GCU, such as a bachelor’s in business information systems. GCU students benefit from a combination of hands-on learning opportunities and career-focused coursework.

Why does IT governance matter? Organizations may establish a governance framework for an IT department for many reasons, including the following:

• Quality control: IT governance frameworks can establish quality standards for all IT work performed at the company. The framework can facilitate the identification and remediation of any projects that fall short of the desired quality and needed objectives.
• Performance evaluation: Within an IT governance framework, an IT team can analyze performance, identify areas that require improvement and establish new or modified protocols that allow the team to achieve those improvements.
• Business value: IT governance doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Its ultimate goal is to provide greater value to the business as a whole. The primary purpose of IT governance is to ensure that the IT department functions as an impactful driver of progress toward the organization’s short-term and long-term goals.
• Regulatory compliance: IT governance frameworks may be developed and implemented internally for the purpose of meeting business objectives, but they are often subject to regulatory oversight. These frameworks can help IT departments remain in compliance.

What is governance in IT in terms of its key components? They include the processes, policies and controls that drive its implementation.

Governance Structure

A governance structure may include decision-making committees that establish IT priorities, policies and strategies. The committees must ensure strategic alignment with overall business objectives and the use of the chosen IT governance framework.

Processes, Policies and Controls

IT governance frameworks must have clear policies that direct implementation. For example, the organization may have written rules and guidelines on what staff can and cannot do with IT assets.

IT governance can establish processes that create repeatable workflows to guide the planning, approval and management of IT projects. Controls are also important, such as regularly scheduled audits to ensure compliance with established rules.

Roles and Accountability

Each team member should have a defined role with specified duties. Some team members may be granted the authority to make changes to the IT system. Accountability can be ensured with a clear reporting hierarchy.

An IT governance framework is a structure comprised of policies and guidelines. It guides the alignment of the IT operations with the overall business objectives.

Common Frameworks

There are multiple established IT governance frameworks that organizations may apply, perhaps with some modifications to suit their needs. IT departments and companies often choose from the following IT governance frameworks:

• IT infrastructure library (ITIL) framework
• ISO/IEC 20000 (ISO 20000) framework
• Balanced scorecard framework
• Control objectives for information and related technology (COBIT) framework
• Committee of sponsoring organization (COSO) framework
• Factor analysis of information risk (FAIR) framework

Choosing the Right Framework

Choosing the right IT governance framework first requires an assessment of the business's objectives, the current maturity of its IT infrastructure and applicable regulatory requirements.

Some of these frameworks emphasize certain areas or are better suited to certain types of companies than others. For example, the FAIR framework is predominantly concerned with identifying and mitigating cybersecurity and operational risks. Meanwhile, COBIT is ideal for strategic alignment and enterprise risk management, and ITIL works well for the optimization of IT service management and daily operations.

IT governance and management go hand in hand. While IT governance establishes the policies, processes and guidelines, IT management is concerned with the department's day-to-day operations and activities. In other words, an IT governance framework establishes what the department needs to do, whereas IT management determines how to achieve that objective.

When implementing an IT governance framework, IT teams may expect to overcome a few challenges in order to reap the benefits.

Major Benefits

There are numerous benefits to implementing IT governance. It provides strategic alignment with overall business goals, while optimizing the use of resources. It can help the IT team improve efficiency, manage risks effectively and proactively and adhere to regulatory compliance.

Common Challenges

There are some challenges to be aware of, as well. Implementing an IT governance framework can be an investment that requires resources. Some employees may be resistant to organizational change. In addition, the company may need to implement professional development programs or hire additional staff to ensure the team has the necessary skills.

There are some steps the IT team can follow when implementing IT governance. The first step is to assess the current environment.

Assess Current Maturity

First, consider the current maturity of the IT infrastructure and department. Review the existing IT assets and identify potential risks. Consider what else may be needed to achieve goals.

Build and Execute a Governance Framework

Next, choose or build a framework that aligns with needs and goals. Discuss the framework with the entire IT team. Assign roles to the implementation team and ensure they know which tasks they are accountable for. Create policies, establish processes and implement a gradual roll-out, focusing first on either high-risk or high-value areas.

Measure and Improve Performance

Establish a regular schedule for auditing performance. Compare performance against pre-selected KPIs and then identify ways of tweaking the policies, processes or other areas to improve performance.

GCU offers a wide range of business management and information technology programs. Start your academic journey with the Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity degree. If you already have a bachelor’s degree, consider applying for enrollment to the Master of Science in Cybersecurity Governance, Risk, and Compliance program, which examines advanced competencies in IT governance.