An Evaluation of Data Processing Steering Committees

One approach to plan and control data processing functions is to use a steering committee. This committee, composed of user, top management, and data processing representatives, is intended to bring a broad perspective to focus on systems issues. The empirical study described in this article examines the actual practices of companies in utilizing steering committees. Committee benefits are statistically tested. The results indicate that some major structural and operating alternatives lead to maximizing steering committee benefits whereas others do not. The article closes with an evaluation of the alternatives and the consequent strategies for using steering committees effectively.