What is the primary responsibility of effective IT governance?

The primary responsibility of effective IT governance revolves around ensuring that the IT plan is consistent with the organization's overall business plan. This alignment is crucial because it ensures that IT initiatives and resources support the organization’s strategic objectives and operational needs. Effective governance structures facilitate the decision-making processes that prioritize IT investments, ensuring that they directly contribute to the organization’s success and add value to its operations.

Moreover, when the IT plan aligns with the business plan, it helps in optimizing resource allocation, managing risks, and enhancing accountability. This not only improves the efficiency of IT operations but also promotes collaboration between IT and other business units, fostering a unified direction for the organization.

The other options, while relevant components of IT governance, focus on more specific aspects. Aligning IT operations with the security plan addresses cybersecurity and risk management but does not encompass the broader aim of aligning IT with overall business goals. Establishing the audit plan and ensuring compliance with investment plans are important governance functions, yet they support the larger objective of aligning IT with the business strategy rather than being the primary responsibility themselves.