What is the ultimate purpose of IT governance?

The ultimate purpose of IT governance is to encourage optimal use of IT. This involves ensuring that IT investments align with business goals and objectives, and that IT resources are employed efficiently and effectively to deliver value to the organization.

IT governance establishes a framework for decision-making, accountability, and risk management regarding technology investments. By promoting optimal use of IT, organizations can leverage technology to enhance performance, improve service delivery, and support strategic initiatives. This encompasses not only the proper utilization of technology but also the management of information and IT-related processes to achieve desired outcomes.

While reducing IT costs, decentralizing, or centralizing control of IT can be parts of a governance strategy, they are not the primary purposes of IT governance itself. These aspects may contribute to achieving optimal IT usage, but the central focus remains on aligning the IT strategy with the overall business objectives to maximize returns on IT investments and improve organizational effectiveness.