Refusing the implementation of information technology governance and information technology development in higher education institutions: Voices from senior leaders

Abstract

Information Technology (IT) governance has become one of the important topics for many higher education institutions to reform and upgrade their technology management, computer systems, and effectiveness in teaching and learning. Although many studies have indicated that the development of IT governance plans could offer benefits to higher education institutions, many higher education institutions and their senior leaders refuse to upgrade their IT systems. There are two purposes of this study. First, this study aims to investigate and understand the obstacles to proper IT governance in the South Korean university environment, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Second, the study intends to understand university leaders’ motivations and reasons for not wanting to enhance IT governance plans and IT development in their universities. The study collected qualitative data from two groups of participants at three South Korean universities, namely professionals in the IT department and senior leaders. The results of this study may provide a point of reference for IT department leaders, university administrators, and government leaders to understand the challenges and problems facing South Korean universities at the practical level. Although the study only focused on the opinions from the senior leaders, the outcomes of this study will fill the research and practical gaps in the fields, particularly the reasons why rural South Korean colleges and universities refuse the implementation of IT governance.