Recognizing data governance as a priority, more organizations are hiring chief data officers and forming data governance councils to define data policies to promote data quality and usability. But implementing data governance can be complex. Programs that focus only on organizational structure and operating models or, conversely, attempt to survey data structure and semantics from the bottom up may need additional support to develop the socialization, championship, and resources required to ensure sustainability.

This report lays a foundation for a modernized approach to data governance that is business-focused. We first examine the types of data policies that must be considered within the scope of a data governance program. This is followed by an analysis of the weaknesses of the conventional approach.

We then consider the specification of data policies, standards, and rules and how those become the focus of a “data governance reboot.” We also offer guidance on maintaining a business focus as the key motivating factor for defining data policies and standards that “stick.” Finally, the report summarizes the technologies that support successful data governance programs.

This research is co-sponsored by Collibra.

You will learn:

• Objectives of a data governance program
• Challenges of the conventional approach to data governance
• Data policies, standards, and rules
• A business-oriented approach to operationalization
• The technologies that support the business-oriented approach