12 Steps to Create a Data Governance Strategy

What is a data governance strategy?

A data governance strategy is a set of rules that help protect data and establish standards for its access, use, and integrity. These strategies are often accompanied by standards that provide more detailed rules for the implementation of strategies. A data governance strategy is a key component of a data governance framework. It guides company decisions about data assets. A framework creates a structure for performing data-related activities, and a data governance strategy provides guidelines for activities involving data.

The core purpose of a data governance strategy is to recognize that data is a critical asset and must be treated as such. At a high level, the strategy promotes a security-focused culture in which all stakeholders take an active role in protecting data assets. While this strategy is critical for organizations in highly regulated industries, any business dealing with sensitive data or relying on it strategically will benefit from a data governance strategy.

12 Steps to Create a Data Governance Strategy

Data governance strategies can be written by internal teams. However, if you have a lot of data and data systems, or want an objective perspective from a third-party partner, you might consider hiring an outside consultant. Here are 12 steps to develop a data governance strategy:

1. Communicate the value of data governance internally with business users and leaders. If the organization does not currently have data governance, a business case may need to be established. Consider the cost in the current situation and the potential savings if the organization has data governance in place.
2. Build a data governance team. Internal teams can help manage data governance and help ensure cross-departmental support.
3. Assess the current state of data governance in IT departments and business operations.
4. Identify roles and responsibilities. RACI charts can help you determine who is responsible, who approves, who consults, and who should be aware of changes.
5. Gather input from stakeholders, including data challenges, strategy expectations, and their needs. This can be achieved by combining formal and informal activities. Through interviews, meetings, and informal conversations, the expectations, desires, and needs of key stakeholders are established. This serves two purposes – valuable input is obtained, and it is also an opportunity to ensure development.
6. Learn about the impact of a data governance strategy on different stakeholder categories. This will help with tactical execution, including how to motivate stakeholders to engage in adoption and adherence to the strategy.
7. Draft a strategy and ask key stakeholders to review and approve it.
8. Communicate strategy to all stakeholders. This can be a combined group meeting and training, one-on-one conversations, recorded training videos, and written communications. Consider the learning and communication preferences of others when choosing a communication method.
9. Discuss potential technical needs and which existing IT tools can be repurposed to support and implement new data governance strategies.
10. A method for developing performance indicators and monitoring policy compliance.
11. Periodically review data governance performance. Measure results and share quick wins with all stakeholders. This reinforces the importance of strategy and fosters continued development.
12. Review the strategy regularly to keep it relevant, current and effective. Keep your data governance strategy up to date. Periodically review the data governance strategy to ensure it reflects the current needs of the organization and stakeholders.

Conclusion

Thank you for reading our article and we hope it can help you to have a better understanding of data governance strategy. If you want to learn more about data governance, we would like to advise you to visit Gudu SQLFlow for more information.

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