An institutional perspective of ICT governance implementation: a case study of the Department of Transport

Abstract

ICT today has risen to prominence as a critical determinant of the growth and survival for organisations. The objective of this study was to identify how ICT governance was implemented in the public sector. A case study of the Department of Transport was used in conducting this study. In 2012, The Department of Service Administration (DPSA) released a Corporate Governance of ICT policy Framework (CGICTPF) for implementation in the public sector in order to improve the status of ICT governance. There was no information and communications technology (ICT) strategy to drive ICT that is also aligned to the goals and objectives of the department. ICT was not pitched as an enabler in the public sector. The study was conducted in Gauteng. Personnel who were involved in the implementation of the CGICTPF were invited to participate in the study. The study adopted an interpretivist approach since it was a study of an exploratory nature. Interpretivism is adopted where the researcher desires to have a richer understanding of the reality according to the participant’s view. Interpretivism research philosophy allowed the researcher of this study to gain new knowledge from participants offering different views. A case study research approach was utilised as it provides rich-qualitative information about the phenomena being studied. It was selected on the basis that it enables the generation of new ideas and indicates how different aspects relate together. Furthermore, it was utilised as it provides insight and illuminates meanings that expand experiences of researchers. Qualitative research methodology was utilised to gather data from participants. Inductive data analysis based on facts, general subjects and respondents’ opinions offers valuable perceptions and understanding of the question set as IT professionals’ experiences, understandings and perceptions were used to uncover how the CGICTPF was implemented at the Department of Transport. The study highlights the challenges and the prerequisites of implementing an effective ICT governance framework. Data was collected through interviews and by analysing the audit reports of the Department of Transport in prior years.

Findings from the study revealed that there are gaps that need to be filled in executing ICT governance in training and communication within organisations. The influence of external and internal pressures in the implementation process was also highlighted. The study is significant as it will assist the practising managers in other public entities in increasing the probability of a successful implementation of an ICT governance framework. It is also important for academics and scholars as it adds to the knowledge in existing literature