Governance of Enterprise IT (CGEIT) Certification Practice Exam

Which of the following is considered a common mistake of IT Governance?

1. Involving all stakeholders in IT decisions

2. Delegating IT strategy responsibility to lower levels than the Board

3. Regularly updating IT strategies

4. Balancing IT investments between support and growth

The correct answer is: Delegating IT strategy responsibility to lower levels than the Board

Delegating IT strategy responsibility to lower levels than the Board is often viewed as a common mistake in IT Governance because it can lead to a disconnect between the governance framework and the strategic objectives of the organization. The Board is typically responsible for providing oversight and ensuring that IT aligns with business goals; when the responsibility is delegated too far down the hierarchy, there can be a lack of alignment and insufficient strategic direction. IT strategy requires a holistic view of the organization’s objectives, risk management, and resource allocation, which is most effectively provided at the top level of governance. By involving lower levels in the formulation of IT strategy, there is a risk that decisions may become too operational and short-term focused, neglecting the broader strategic vision required for long-term success. This can result in inefficient use of resources and missed opportunities for innovation or growth. In contrast, engaging all stakeholders in IT decisions promotes collaboration and diverse perspectives, regularly updating IT strategies ensures relevance and responsiveness to change, and balancing IT investments supports both operational efficiency and strategic initiatives, reflecting sound governance practices.