Which entity should ultimately hold the responsibility for the governance of IT?

The board of directors is the entity that should ultimately hold the responsibility for the governance of IT because it represents the highest level of organizational oversight and accountability. Governance of IT encompasses not only the strategic direction and alignment of IT with business objectives but also compliance, risk management, and resource allocation. The board ensures that IT practices align with the organization’s overall governance framework and strategic goals.

Governance of IT is a critical component of corporate governance, implying that it should be driven by those who have a fiduciary duty to act in the best interest of the shareholders and stakeholders. This perspective ensures that IT investments deliver value and that risks associated with information technology are adequately managed. The board’s involvement helps establish a culture of accountability and oversight across the organization, reinforcing the importance of IT as a key driver of business success.

While the other entities play significant roles in IT governance—such as the IT strategy committee focusing on aligning IT initiatives with business strategy, the chief information officer managing day-to-day IT operations, and the audit committee overseeing compliance and risk assessments—they report to and operate under the broader governance framework established by the board of directors. This hierarchy signifies that the ultimate accountability for IT governance resides at the top level within the organization.