ISO/IEC 38500 is an international standard for corporate governance of information technology (IT). It provides a common framework for organizations to ensure that their IT systems are managed and maintained in a secure, reliable and cost-effective manner.

The standard is divided into two parts: the first part sets out the principles of IT governance, and the second part outlines the requirements for organizations to meet these principles. The principles are divided into four categories: leadership, organization, planning and control.

Leadership is the first principle and it focuses on the role of senior management in setting the overall direction and objectives of IT. It requires that senior management understands the importance of IT to their organization and takes responsibility for it. They must be committed to the effective use of IT and provide adequate resources to its development and maintenance. Furthermore, senior management must ensure that IT systems are aligned with the organization's objectives and strategies.

Organization is the second principle and it focuses on the structure and roles of the various IT departments and personnel. It requires that IT personnel are organized and managed in a way that is consistent with the organization's overall objectives. It also sets out the responsibilities of each department, such as IT security and IT operations.

Planning is the third principle and it focuses on the development and implementation of an IT strategy. An IT strategy must be created to ensure that IT systems are developed, maintained and operated in a secure, reliable and cost-effective manner. The strategy should include measures to ensure the organization's compliance with applicable laws and regulations, and to protect the organization's data and assets.

Control is the fourth and final principle and it focuses on the implementation and monitoring of IT systems. It requires that organizations have mechanisms in place to ensure that IT systems are managed and operated in an effective and secure manner. This includes procedures for establishing and maintaining IT security, as well as regular reviews of IT systems to ensure they are meeting the organization's objectives.

ISO/IEC 38500 is an important standard for organizations of all sizes. It provides a common framework for organizations to ensure that their IT systems are managed and maintained in a secure, reliable and cost-effective manner.

It sets out the principles for senior management to set the overall direction and objectives of IT, and for IT personnel to be organized and managed in a way that is consistent with the organization's overall objectives.

Furthermore, it provides guidance on the development and implementation of an IT strategy, and the implementation and monitoring of IT systems.