Abstract Background and Purpose: In this paper, we aim to propose a guideline for further research towards development of an adaptive strategic IT governance (ITG) model for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The use of IT has the potential to be the major driver for success, as well it provides an opportunity to achieve competitive advantage and support digital transformation. In order to achieve IT benefits, enterprises need an effective and successful ITG model, which follows and adapts to business needs. Available ITG models are too generic and do not differentiate for enterprises of different industry, size, maturity etc. Methodology: In order to review existing ITG mechanisms, their definitions and identify contingency factors, we performed an extensive literature review (LR). For the initial set of databases, we used the list of journals, which are indexed in the Journal Citation Reports. We also used Web of Science to identify articles with the highest number of citations. Results: This paper provides the most important definitions of ITG and proposes its comprehensive definition. Next to this, we introduce ITG mechanisms, which are crucial for the effective implementation and use of ITG. Lastly, we identify contingency factors that influence ITG implementation and its use. Conclusion: Despite extensive research in ITG area, considerable work is still needed to improve understanding of ITG, its definition and mechanisms. Multiple efforts to develop methods for governing IT failed to achieve any significant adoption rate of ITG mechanisms. To enable ITG to become an integral part of Corporate Governance, further research needs to focus on the development of an adaptive strategic ITG model. In this paper, we propose a next step for more practical method for ITG implementation and its use.

中文翻译：

---

IT治理机制和应急因素：建立自适应IT治理模型

摘要背景和目的：本文旨在为进一步研究中小型企业（SME）的自适应战略IT治理（ITG）模型的开发提供指南。IT的使用有可能成为成功的主要驱动力，同时它也提供了获得竞争优势和支持数字化转型的机会。为了获得IT收益，企业需要一个有效且成功的ITG模型，该模型应遵循并适应业务需求。可用的ITG模型过于笼统，无法针对不同行业，规模，成熟度等的企业进行区分。方法：为了审查现有ITG机制，其定义并确定偶然性因素，我们进行了广泛的文献综述（LR）。对于初始数据库集，我们使用了期刊列表，这些期刊在《期刊引证报告》中进行了索引。我们还使用Web of Science来识别被引用次数最多的文章。结果：本文提供了ITG的最重要定义，并提出了ITG的综合定义。接下来，我们介绍ITG机制，这对于有效实施和使用ITG至关重要。最后，我们确定影响ITG实施及其使用的意外因素。结论：尽管在ITG领域进行了广泛的研究，但仍需要大量工作来增进对ITG，其定义和机制的理解。开发管理IT的方法的多种努力未能实现ITG机制的任何重大采用率。为了使ITG成为公司治理的组成部分，进一步的研究需要集中在自适应ITG战略模型的开发上。在本文中，我们为ITG实施及其使用提出了更实用的方法的下一步。