The primary purpose of Enterprise Architecture (EA) is to guide effective change. EA provides a holistic, enterprise-wide view that aligns strategic objectives with tactical demands. By creating a coherent framework and set of principles, EA ensures that business and IT changes are implemented in a coordinated and optimal manner, supporting the business strategy and delivering value. This guidance helps the organization navigate complexity and transform effectively, moving from a current state to a desired future state in a structured way.

A. EA informs and supports major improvement decisions, but the act of taking the decisions rests with business and IT leadership.

B. "Guide" is a more accurate term than "control". EA enables and directs change rather than imposing rigid, top-down control.

D. EA governs the architecture and the change process, not the stakeholders. Stakeholder management is a critical activity within EA, but not its core purpose.

1. The Open Group

The Open Group Standard for Enterprise Architecture (O-EA)

Version 1.0

Standard No. C20A

December 2020. Section 1.2

"What is Enterprise Architecture?"

Page 2. The document states: "The purpose of Enterprise Architecture is to guide effective change."

2. The Open Group

Open Group Enterprise Architecture Foundation Study Guide

1st Edition

Document No. X211

February 2021. Section 1.2

"What is Enterprise Architecture?"

Page 2. This guide explicitly states the same definition: "The purpose of Enterprise Architecture is to guide effective change."

3. The Open Group

The TOGAF® Standard

Version 9.2

Document No. C182

April 2018. Chapter 2

"What is an Enterprise and What is an Enterprise Architecture?"

Page 7. This section notes that EA's purpose is to create an "integrated environment that is responsive to change and supportive of the delivery of the business strategy"

which aligns with the concept of guiding effective change.