IT Governance in SMEs

Abstract

The adoption of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) leads to cost reduction in processes and organizational effectiveness. The effective use of ICTs, however, greatly depends on their good governance, especially due to the impact generated by investments in information and communication technologies. In this scenario, we aimed at defining the state of art of IT governance in SMEs. A broad review of the literature on IT governance in SMEs was performed. The results indicated a field of research with little development, with 32 studies identified until the year 2018. Three research lines were observed. Initially, the researchers have discussed the barriers and characteristics of ITG in SMEs. In the next step, the studies were directed to the establishment of an ITG framework applicable to SMEs reality. The last line of research observed the IT capacities in relation to the environment in which the SME operates. The studies indicated a prevalence of qualitative approaches under the positivist paradigm.