Business/IT Alignment through IT Governance Patterns in Portuguese Healthcare

Abstract

The pervasive use of technology in organizations to address the increased services complexity has created a critical dependency on information technology (IT) that calls to a specific focus on IT Governance (ITG). However, determining the right ITG mechanisms remains a complex endeavor. This paper uses Design Science Research and proposes an exploratory research by analyzing ITG case studies to elicit possible ITG mechanisms patterns. Six interviews were performed in Portuguese healthcare services organizations to assess the ITG practices. The goal of the authors is to build some theories (ITG mechanisms patterns), which will guide healthcare services organizations about the advisable ITG mechanisms given their specific context. The authors also intend to elicit conclusions regarding the most relevant ITG mechanisms for Portuguese healthcare services organizations. Additionally, a comparison is made with the financial industry to identify improvement opportunities. The authors finish the paper with limitations, contribution and future work.