COBIT® 2019 identifies enterprise strategy archetypes as a key design factor for tailoring governance systems. Nonprofit organizations typically prioritize mission continuity, reliability, and predictable service delivery over aggressive growth, innovation, or cost leadership.
The stability strategy archetype aligns with organizations that aim to maintain consistent operations, manage risks prudently, and ensure dependable support for core services. For nonprofits, improving IT service delivery usually means enhancing reliability, availability, and user satisfaction rather than pursuing innovation or expansion.
Cost is always a consideration, but it is not an enterprise strategy archetype in COBIT 2019. Growth and innovation strategies are more applicable to competitive or commercial enterprises seeking market expansion or differentiation.
The Design Guide emphasizes that governance systems must reflect organizational purpose and constraints. A stability-focused strategy drives governance priorities toward service continuity, risk control, and operational effectiveness—making it the most relevant design factor for a nonprofit improving IT service delivery.
