How can you precisely control your company’s data and turn it into decisions that guarantee your success? The answer lies in data governance. In this article, we will take you on a comprehensive journey to explore its concept, policies, and types, along with a clear comparison between it and data management, and an explanation of the challenges that may arise during its implementation.

What is Data Governance

It is a set of processes, policies, and procedures that ensure data within an organization is managed reliably and securely. It aims to guarantee data quality, integrity, and confidentiality, helping achieve regulatory compliance and improving operational efficiency.
It is considered a regulatory framework that defines who owns the data, how it is managed, and who can access it. It is also a subset of corporate governance aimed at organizing and managing all the activities of the organization.
After answering the question “What is Data Governance?” we now move to understand its policies, objectives, and challenges.

What are Data Governance Policies?

Data governance policies can be defined as the rules and standards established by the organization to control data management in an organized way. These policies vary and include several main types, such as

Data Quality Policy

This policy aims to ensure data accuracy, completeness, and continuous updating to guarantee that the data used in operations and decision-making is reliable and error-free.

Data Security Policy

Focuses on protecting data from unauthorized access or breaches and includes security controls such as encryption, access rights management, and data backups.

Privacy and Data Protection Policy

Aims to comply with laws and regulations related to personal information protection such as GDPR and also defines how data is collected, used, and shared with other parties.

Data Retention and Disposal Policy

Specifies the duration for which data must be retained before being safely disposed of, helping reduce risks related to unnecessary data retention.

Access and Permissions Management Policy

Clarifies who is authorized to access different types of data within the organization and sets permission levels based on roles and responsibilities.

Regularly updating these policies and closely monitoring their application strengthens data governance and helps efficiently achieve organizational goals.

What are the objectives of data governance?

The objectives of data governance cover several key areas aimed at enhancing the efficiency of data management and maximizing its benefits. These objectives include

Improving Data Quality

Ensuring the accuracy and completeness of data used in decision-making.

Ensuring Data Security

Protecting data from breaches or unauthorized use.

Legal and Regulatory Compliance

Ensuring all data practices comply with national and international regulations.

Enhancing Transparency and Accountability

Establishing a clear framework that defines responsibilities and monitors policy implementation. This is also essential in nonprofit organizations to maintain the trust of donors and the public.

Supporting Decision-Making

Providing reliable data that enhances the organization’s ability to make strategic, well-informed decisions.

Achieving these objectives boosts the organization’s competitiveness, reduces operational risks, and ensures maintaining its reputation and customer trust.

What are the benefits of Data Governance?

The benefits of data governance go beyond just managing information; they play a vital role in an organization’s success. The most notable benefits include

Increased Confidence in Data

Thanks to strict policies, the data used in operations and decisions becomes more reliable.

Reduced Legal and Financial Risks

Compliance with regulations lowers the chances of financial penalties or legal consequences.

Improved Operational Efficiency

Organizing data and standardizing processes reduce the time and effort spent searching and verifying data.

Fostering Innovation

Having quality data opens the door to developing new solutions and innovative strategies.

Supporting Digital Transformation

The data governance framework is a fundamental element in the success of digital transformation initiatives.

These benefits position organizations in a strong competitive spot and increase their ability to adapt to changing market demands.

The difference between data governance and data management?

Many wonder about the difference between data governance and data management. Although they are similar, there is a clear distinction

Data governance focuses on policies, rules, and responsibilities to ensure the safe use of data, while data management deals with the technologies and daily operations involved in collecting, storing, and maintaining data.
In other words, data governance is the strategic framework that sets the rules and policies, whereas data management is the practical implementation of these rules and policies. Both are essential to achieving organizational goals and ensuring data integrity and quality.

Challenges of Data Governance

Organizations face many challenges when implementing a data governance framework. Some of these challenges include

• Difficulty identifying and unifying multiple data sources.
• Lack of specialized competencies in data governance.
• Technical challenges in securing and protecting data.
• Compliance with evolving local and international legal requirements.

Resistance to change within organizations, especially in entities with unique characteristics such as family-owned businesses, which may sometimes lack formal data management policies.

Overcoming the challenges of data governance requires careful planning and a clear strategy that relies on strong support from top management.

A Real Example of Successful Data Governance Implementation in Saudi Arabia

SABIC (Saudi Basic Industries Corporation) succeeded in implementing a data governance framework as part of its digital strategy.

SABIC relied on strict governance policies to organize data quality, ensure its security, and facilitate access across different departments.

This implementation helped the company improve the accuracy of its operational data, which enhanced decision-making speed and operational performance, resulting in increased confidence from both investors and customers.

SABIC is a clear example of how effective data governance can be a strong reason for organizational success in the Saudi market.

The Relationship Between Data Governance and Digital Transformation

Digital transformation plays a crucial role in enhancing the effectiveness of data governance by providing advanced tools and technologies to manage and analyze data more accurately and transparently.

Conversely, data governance ensures a regulatory framework that preserves data quality and security used in digital transformation initiatives.

For more on the relationship between governance and digital transformation, you can refer to the article on digital transformation in governance.

FAQ’s

Q: How does data governance affect legal compliance?
A: It helps ensure that organizations follow local and international laws and regulations related to data protection, such as GDPR.

Q: Can data governance be applied in small companies?
A: Yes, and policies can be adapted to fit the size and needs of the organization.

Q: How does an organization start implementing data governance?
A: By assessing the current state of data, then setting clear policies and defining governance teams and responsibilities.

Conclusion

In summary, data governance is the cornerstone for ensuring data accuracy and security and transforming it into successful strategic decisions. With the adoption of effective policies and smart implementation, companies can face challenges and maximize the value of their data.

Why Choose Eamak to Support Your Data Governance?

In the complex world of data, Eamak offers you comprehensive and specialized solutions in data governance that ensure your organization’s commitment to the highest standards of quality and security.

Eamak’s expert team helps you set clear policies, build regulatory frameworks, and overcome challenges to ensure your digital strategy’s success.

Don’t hesitate to contact Eamak’s experts today and make your data governance the real starting point for your organization’s future.

By: Fatma Abu El Ela