What should be the FIRST action of a new CIO when considering an IT governance framework for an enterprise?

Developing an IT balanced scorecard is a tool for monitoring performance within a governance framework and comes after the framework's strategic definition and alignment.

While stakeholder sponsorship is crucial, it's sought after the CIO has a clear grasp of the organizational context and can articulate the value proposition of IT governance.

Before implementing or selecting an IT governance framework, a new CIO must first thoroughly understand the enterprise's existing corporate culture and how IT currently contributes to or impedes business value. This foundational understanding ensures that the chosen governance framework is culturally appropriate, realistic, and effectively supports the organization's unique operational context and strategic objectives.

Understanding critical IT processes is important for defining the scope, but it follows the broader understanding of corporate culture and how IT strategically adds value to the business.