Holistic management of IT governance essential.

While most organizations recognize the importance of IT governance, most don't have a holistic view that considers all its dimensions. According to a new study from PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), IT Governance in Practice, the concept of IT governance as an umbrella framework has yet to emerge.

The majority of the CIOs and IT governance specialists surveyed said that alignment between IT and the business is the biggest driver and desired outcome of IT governance practices. Respondents said they recognize the importance of IT alignment to deliver sustainable business results, and feel IT governance is one of the best means to achieve this.

"At the same time, however, the focus of IT governance initiatives is still very narrow by focusing mainly on risk and control," says Tony Balasubramanian, a vice-president with PwC's IT advisory practice. "The initiatives are not considering IT governance from a holistic perspective that can be used to enhance the value of IT for the organization."

In addition, the survey found that performance improvement and regulatory compliance were forces driving IT governance implementation and largely initiated by senior management. However, the survey identified that IT governance isn't being properly measured and managed. Some organizations said they were measuring the IT governance process and how it works, but very few measured hard benefits or the eventual outcome of governance practices.

Nearly 80% of organizations interviewed identified these additional steps to improve IT governance.

* Improving the clarity of their current overall governance model;

* Defining and executing specific operational and tactical activities;

* Enhancing performance management and measurement;

* Automating some of the data gathering and reporting to support IT governance processes;

* Sustaining the drive for improvement; and

* Ongoing communication and monitoring.

For more information about IT Governance in Practice visit www.pwc.com/ca.