The 7 Habits of Highly Effective IT Governance

Powerful lessons in transforming business and information technology

Based on our research and experience working with a wide variety of clients — from multinational conglomerates and old-line businesses to rapidly growing start-up companies — we have observed seven habits for gaining maximum value from IT governance. The most successful companies are those that have matured beyond simply linking IT strategy and the business, and instead have established a fully integrated operating environment.

During sustained periods of change, old systems can fail. Many companies formed IT governance councils to prevent IT disasters and improve the management of day-to-day operations. Primarily focused on process-based functions and tactical needs, these councils draw up guidelines for effective compliance and risk management. While these guidelines are a good start, they do not take IT governance far enough. We believe businesses need a new equation—one that makes IT governance a strategic component of the overall corporate strategy.The following offers an in-depth discussion of the seven habits of effective IT governance.