The Role of Institutional Logics in Shaping Architecture Governance: A Case Study

Abstract

Departing from a longitudinal case study at a Scandinavian telecom, we seek to explore the shaping of IT governance mechanisms related to enterprise architecture efforts - here referred to as architecture governance. While empirically studying this subdomain of IT governance, we also contribute to IT governance literature in general. IT governance is often described as a management prerogative, however, using institutional logics as a theoretical lens and sensitizing device, we show how different logics emerged over time and influenced how the organization governed its architecture. These findings are discussed in relation to current practice and theory on both architecture and IT governance. Generally, the findings show how architecture governance is shaped through a complex, contextual and social process beyond rational, managerial decision-making. Finally, we propose that institutional logics can become embedded into governance practices. In this way, logics that are no longer dominant can still influence the way IT is governed.