Which benefit does a well-defined IT strategy provide to an organization?

A well-defined IT strategy is crucial for aligning IT initiatives with the overall business objectives of an organization. This alignment ensures that technology investments directly support the goals and priorities of the business, maximizing value and effectiveness. By having a clear strategy, IT departments can prioritize projects that drive business outcomes, enhance operational efficiency, and support strategic initiatives. This coherence is essential for fostering collaboration between IT and other business units, which ultimately leads to better decision-making and resource allocation.

In contrast, while other options may seem relevant, they do not capture the fundamental benefit of an effective IT strategy. For instance, reducing the need for internal audits or ensuring compliance with regulations are more about governance and controls rather than the strategic alignment of IT with business objectives. Increasing the costs of IT services is an undesirable outcome and contradicts the typical goal of an IT strategy, which is to optimize costs while delivering value. Overall, supporting the overall business objectives is the central role of a robust IT strategy.