Criteria Towards Sound Information Technology Governance

Information Technology (IT) has become tightly integrated into business operations across many organisations and its proper use supports the achievement of strategic objectives. However, successful implementation of IT governance is still proving to be a challenge, especially for public sector enterprises. In order to identify minimum criteria required to implement sound and sustainable IT governance, this paper details the initial phase of research into theory and practice of IT governance implementation through an extensive literature review. The results show that the governance focus area of implementing structures for decision-making is the most understood and implemented but that in isolation, successful implementation will not be realised. Effective IT governance is suggested through a balanced implementation of structures, processes and relational mechanisms. This paper will assist those charged with governance in including holistic criteria in their IT governance initiatives to ensure successful outcomes.