There are a lot of different IT policies out there, and it can be hard to know which ones are effective and which ones are not. It is important to have an effective IT policy in place. There are a few things that you should keep in mind when creating or updating your IT policy. Here you will find ineffective and effective IT policies and procedures.
Why are IT policies and governance so important?
In order to ensure that IT policies are effective, there should be a clear understanding of the governance process. This includes responsibilities, accountability and hierarchy. Organisations need to have a clear understanding of who is responsible for what and who has the authority to make decisions – and make the right ones.
It is also important that organisations have an IT policy framework in place to guide the development of new IT policies and processes and maintain the current architecture and day-to-day working processes. A framework should include a description of all the stakeholders involved in developing, managing and enforcing these policies.
Your IT department (this might be an in-house team, or an outsourced IT service provider) is responsible for implementing and managing IT policies. A well-thought-out, clear and concise IT policy is essential when maintaining the security of the company’s data and systems.
How bad IT policies can disrupt your business productivity
Ineffective IT policies can lead to a number of problems. They can result in a loss of productivity, a decrease in employee morale and even worse, they can cause your business to suffer from security breaches.
The tell-tale signs to look out for:
- Security issues due to lack of adherence to security standards
- Lack of transparency in the management process
- Inefficiencies in business operations
- Confusion amongst employees
Steps to deliver effective IT policies and governance
The first step that you need to take is to create an IT governance plan that will outline the goals and objectives of your company’s IT policy.
In order to create the best possible IT policy, you need to first understand what the problem is. The root cause could be ineffective policies or ineffective processes within your organisation – and potential ineffective people.
The next step would be to determine which policies are not working for you and then come up with new solutions.
There are 7 dimensions that need to be considered when devising and implementing your own policy and governance framework, they are:
- Strategy
- Leadership
- Behaviours
- Access and Hierarchies
- Documentation
- Support Mechanisms
- Tracking and Transparency
Stop battling ineffective IT policies – take a step back, review where you are at the moment and map out where you would like to be in 6-12 months. For help and further guidance talk to one of our expert team members.
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