Best Evidence of IT Strategy Alignment to Business Objectives

IT Governance & Strategy Alignment
Answer Correct answer: D — Executive management approval formally validates that the IT strategy maps directly to corporate objectives.

Which of the following is the BEST evidence that an organization's IT strategy is aligned to its business objectives?

  1. The IT strategy has significant impact on the business strategy.
  2. The IT strategy is modified in response to organizational changes.
  3. The IT strategy is based on IT operational best practices.
  4. The IT strategy is approved by executive management. Correct Answer
cisa it strategy alignment executive management it strategy approval it business objective alignment cisa

Community Votes

A
67%
B
33%

67% of anonymous learners picked answer A. Votes are pick records left by other test-takers — they are not the verified answer.

Community Insight

Tests understanding of IT-business alignment hierarchy while trapping candidates who confuse operational responsiveness or reverse causality with formal governance approval.

Determines how to verify that IT planning directly supports enterprise goals using CISA governance standards. Establishes that executive validation is the strongest proof of strategic alignment.

Selecting option A assumes IT should drive business direction, which contradicts ISACA’s principle that business strategy must lead and IT must support it.

Community Discussion (3 comments)

ssdny 👍 1 Selected: B
it is important that IT strategy is aligned with business strategy, rather than being led by IT.
pLulu 👍 1
(Option B). This demonstrates that the IT strategy is flexible and responsive to the evolving needs and goals of the organization, ensuring continuous alignment with business objectives
Swallows 👍 2 Selected: A
While the modification of the IT strategy in response to organizational changes (option B) may also indicate alignment to some extent, it does not necessarily guarantee that the IT strategy is directly impacting the business strategy. Option A explicitly states that the IT strategy has a significant impact on the business strategy, making it the best evidence of alignment between IT and business objectives.

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Expert Analysis

Why the Answer Is Correct

Executive management approval serves as the strongest governance indicator that IT initiatives directly support enterprise priorities. When C-suite leaders review and authorize the IT roadmap, they actively validate that technology investments map to revenue, compliance, and operational targets. This formal sign-off closes the feedback loop between business ownership and technical execution, satisfying ISACA’s requirement for documented strategic alignment.

Why the Other Options Are Wrong

Option A incorrectly suggests that IT should drive business direction, contradicting the core ISACA principle that business strategy must lead and IT must enable it. Option B highlights operational agility rather than foundational alignment, as reactive adjustments do not prove initial strategic fit. Option C focuses on internal efficiency benchmarks, which address tactical performance instead of cross-functional business integration.

Community Comment Notes

Several learners argued that IT must influence business outcomes, yet ISACA frameworks consistently position business leadership as the primary strategist. One contributor emphasized that "it is important that IT strategy is aligned with business strategy, rather than being led by IT," reinforcing why management endorsement remains the definitive audit trail. Others highlighted organizational responsiveness, but agility alone cannot substitute for formal executive validation of strategic intent.

Exam Strategy

Focus on the direction of strategy flow: business objectives dictate IT initiatives, and executive sign-off formally validates that alignment during governance reviews. Always prioritize answers that demonstrate formal accountability and documented sponsor approval over tactical adaptations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why isn’t modifying IT strategy for changes the best proof?

Responsiveness shows adaptability, not initial strategic fit. Alignment requires upfront validation against business goals, not just reactive updates.

Does IT strategy really impact business strategy?

ISACA doctrine states business strategy leads and IT strategy follows to support it. Claiming IT impacts business reverses the proper governance hierarchy.

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