Who is ultimately responsible for the governance of IT in an organization?

The governance of IT in an organization is ultimately the responsibility of the board of directors. This is because the board serves as the top-level governing body and is accountable for the overall direction and oversight of the organization. Effective governance includes ensuring that IT aligns with the organizational strategy, managing risks, and ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory obligations.

The board sets the tone for the importance of IT governance and is responsible for establishing the framework within which IT decisions are made. They play a critical role in overseeing the management and allocation of resources to IT initiatives, ensuring that they support the organization's objectives. Furthermore, the board is tasked with understanding and mitigating potential risks associated with technology, ultimately holding the organization accountable for its IT governance.

While other entities like the IT strategy committee, chief information officer, and audit committee contribute significantly to IT governance, they operate under the guidance and authority of the board of directors. The board’s involvement is paramount to ensure that IT governance is not only a function of IT management but is integrated into the overall governance of the organization.