IT in the dark over governance

The concept of corporate governance is hitting a wall positioned just outside the IT department, according to research which says the messages are not filtering down from board level.

Despite the importance of effective IT in ensuring all aspects of governance are met it appears those with the ability and those with the inclination, or in some cases the requirement, have yet to sit down and talk, according to findings from a YouGov survey.

The report claims 41 per cent of IT directors have no plans to adopt governance principles, while just four per cent say complying to corporate governance regulations is at the top of their 'to do' list.

While many IT directors understand the need for uptime and business continuity the survey claims many don't understand the part effective measurement plays in ensuring such goals are met.

Thomas Mendel, senior analyst at Forrester Research, said: "The need for greater governance and regulation of IT can also be reduced if the IT department ensures IT service metrics are defined, aligned with overall business objectives, and measured for service quality on an on-going basis."

However, measurement of performance metrics is apparently far from the minds of many in IT departments.

Although 56 per cent of IT directors believe IT measurement is important to their organisation almost a third (32 per cent) took the opposing view, writing off its relevance altogether.

And why are they not doing so? The answer is common to many stumbling blocks within the IT department - poor resourcing. Thirty-eight per cent of respondents said a lack of time and money is directly hampering this process, while 57 per cent cited a lack of appropriate tools.

Sean Larner, European MD of Managed Objects, who commissioned the survey, said: "If the quality of service of the IT infrastructure is not measured effectively, IT cannot be managed effectively."

"With the board focused on corporate governance best practice, we assumed an IT governance and measurement culture would be ingrained. Clearly, there is a need for a major education amongst IT Directors and the board," he added.