From an IT governance perspective, what is the PRIMARY responsibility of the board of directors?

The primary responsibility of the board of directors in relation to IT governance is to ensure that the IT strategy is aligned with the business strategy. This means that the board must oversee and support the integration of IT systems and services with the overall goals and objectives of the organization.

Alignment with business strategy ensures that IT investments yield value, support operational efficiency, and enable the organization to adapt to changing business environments. By focusing on this alignment, the board can help mitigate risks associated with IT misalignment, such as wasted resources or missed opportunities for competitive advantage.

While cost-effectiveness, innovation, and prioritization of IT strategies are important aspects of governance, they are all secondary to the foundational need for alignment. If the IT strategy does not support the overarching business strategy, the effectiveness of IT initiatives will be significantly compromised, regardless of how innovative, cost-effective, or prioritized they may be. Thus, maintaining this alignment is critical for long-term organizational success.