Background and Purpose:In this paper, we aim to propose a guideline for further research towards development of an adaptive strategic IT governance (ITG) model for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The use of IT has the potential to be the major driver for success, as well it provides an opportunity to achieve competitive advantage and support digital transformation. In order to achieve IT benefits, enterprises need an effective and successful ITG model, which follows and adapts to business needs. Available ITG models are too generic and do not differentiate for enterprises of different industry, size, maturity etc. Methodology: In order to review existing ITG mechanisms, their definitions and identify contingency factors, we performed an extensive literature review (LR). For the initial set of databases, we used the list of journals, which are indexed in the Journal Citation Reports. We also used Web of Science to identify articles with the highest number of citations. Results: This paper provides the most important definitions of ITG and proposes its comprehensive definition. Next to this, we introduce ITG mechanisms, which are crucial for the effective implementation and use of ITG. Lastly, we identify contingency factors that influence ITG implementation and its use. Conclusion: Despite extensive research in ITG area, considerable work is still needed to improve understanding of ITG, its definition and mechanisms. Multiple efforts to develop methods for governing IT failed to achieve any significant adoption rate of ITG mechanisms. To enable ITG to become an integral part of Corporate Governance, further research needs to focus on the development of an adaptive strategic ITG model. In this paper, we propose a next step for more practical method for ITG implementation and its use.

Information technology (IT) can have a direct and indirect impact on business performance. New technologies change the risks at the strategic and governing levels of an enterprise. In the age of digitalization, we need to develop new understandings and approaches to governance and management. The most established IT governance (ITG) models, such as COBIT, ITIL and CMMI, are universal, one-size-fits-all models that are not in line with contingency theory and are predominantly designed for large multinational enterprises. They are too cumbersome and cost-intensive for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to use effectively. Therefore, there is a need to develop more efficient models that are contingency-based and easier to implement than existing models and thus adaptable to the actual needs of the business. This paper presents an empirical evaluation of key ITG mechanisms from the literature that clearly shows that several are not universally but situationally necessary, thus demonstrating the need for new contingency-based ITG models.

Informatika v podjetju ima lahko neposreden in posreden vpliv na njegovo uspešnost. Nove tehnologije spreminjajo tveganja, ki so v pristojnosti obravnave upravljanja in managementa podjetja. V dobi digitalizacije tako potrebujemo razvoj novih pristopov upravljanja in managementa in njihovo razumevanje. Trenutni modeli upravljanja informatike (UI) so generični in neprimerni za srednje velika podjetja. Tako raziskovalci kot praktiki morajo razviti bolj praktične modele, ki so enostavnejši za uvedbo od obstoječih modelov in bolj prilagodljivi na dejanske potrebe podjetja. Naš končni cilj je razvoj prilagodljivega modela strateškega UI, katerega uvedba bo uspešnejša od trenutnih modelov. V tem prispevku smo prikazali razvoj modela strateškega UI, ki predstavlja osnovo za nadaljevanje raziskave. S pomočjo študija literature smo opredelili UI in določili tiste mehanizme UI, ki jih literatura prepoznava kot mehanizme strateškega nivoja. Razvoj modela strateškega UI sledi metodologiji razvoja organizacijskega artefakta in temelji na uveljavljenih teorijah in okvirjih, ki obravnavajo UI.