What is the most likely effect of a lack of senior management commitment to IT strategic planning?

A lack of senior management commitment to IT strategic planning primarily leads to technology not aligning with organizational objectives. Senior management is crucial in setting the vision and priorities for the organization. Their commitment ensures that IT initiatives support broader business goals, which is essential for creating strategic alignment between technology and the organization's mission.

When senior management is not engaged in the planning process, IT projects may be developed in isolation, leading to a disconnect between IT efforts and organizational needs. This misalignment can result in wasted resources and ineffective technology solutions that do not contribute to achieving the organization's strategic objectives, ultimately impacting overall performance and competitiveness.

In the context of the other choices, while a lack of investment in technology, absence of a specific methodology for systems development, and lack of control over technology contracts may occur as indirect consequences of poor management commitment, the most direct and significant impact is on alignment with organizational objectives. Aligning technology initiatives with business goals requires active leadership and support from senior management, which is why this choice accurately reflects the primary effect of their disengagement.