Data Governance Frameworks and Challenges

About this report

Data collection: May 22 - Nov 15, 2022

Respondents: 300 IT executives

As regulations evolve, data governance is becoming essential for proper data management and compliance. Have organizations established data governance frameworks and what challenges do they face in doing so?

One minute insights:

  • check file square iconMore than half have experienced a compliance audit
  • Circular Arrow refresh circle iconMost have already established their data governance framework
  • Keyhole lock shield iconData governance improves data security and reduces data breaches
  • People person group iconTalent management and establishing best practices pose a challenge
  • Money Exchange iconLeaders will continue to invest in data governance

The majority have experienced data governance issues and have established or begun to execute a data governance framework

Has your organization experienced any of the following data governance issues?

Group 1 (39)

The most common data governance issues that leaders have encountered are compliance audits (52%), warnings for non-compliance (40%) and data breaches (37%).

Data loss 21%, Fined for non-compliance 20%, Data leak 19%, None of these 10%, Any other data governance issues? <1%

n = 300

More than half of respondents have established a data governance framework and 32% are executing a roadmap toward one.

Do you have a data governance framework in place?

Group 1 (40)

n = 300

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Regulations are catching up and requiring more emphasis on strong data governance programs.

Director, software industry, 10,000+ employees

There are a lot of precursors to data governance, including data classification and policies, that are far more complicated than the enforcement in my personal opinion.

Director, finance industry, 10,000+ employees

Data governance frameworks provide security benefits once established, but finding the right talent and implementing best practices can make this a challenge

More than half of respondents identify improved data security (66%) and reduced compliance breaches (52%) as benefits of having a data governance framework in place.

What are the top benefits of having a data governance framework in place?

Screenshot 2023-12-04 at 12.31.17

Reduced financial risk (e.g., fines) 39%, Improves auditing processes 25%, Enables smoother geographic business expansion 14%, None of these 0%, Other 0%

n = 300

The top challenges to establishing a data governance strategy, according to most leaders, include talent management (62%), establishing data management best practices (58%) and understanding third-party compliance (44%).

What are the top challenges to establishing a data governance strategy in your organization?

Screenshot 2023-12-04 at 12.32.30

End-user practices (i.e., are end users willing to demonstrate compliant behavior?) 14%, Poor data quality 13%, Overly strict local data compliance mandates 9%, Financial management (i.e., budgeting for data governance) 6%, None of these 1%, Other <1%

n = 300

Training the staff with data governance best practices can improve the implementation of best practices. In most cases internal staff lacks the knowledge of data governance procedures.

Director, manufacturing industry, 1,000 - 5,000 employees

Data governance is a relatively new discipline and [it] will take time to develop processes and implement them properly.

Director, government sector, 1,000 - 5,000 employees

Leaders are mostly satisfied with their data governance practice and plan to increase investment in data governance

For the most part, leaders are satisfied with their data governance practices, though some are dissatisfied with team skills (14%) and budget (13%).

Are you satisfied with your data governance practices in terms of:

Group 1 (41)

n = 300

In terms of investment, how will your approach to data governance change over the next 12 months?

Screenshot 2023-12-04 at 12.36.58

Over the next 12 months, 78% plan to increase their investment in data governance, and 19% do not expect their investments to change.

n = 300

Adequate budget, talent, organizational support and training are key aspects to ensure a successful data governance process.

Director, education industry, 10,000+ employees

You can never stop trying to be in compliance with all the rules and regulations since a single lapse can cost you dearly.

C-suite, manufacturing industry, 1,000 - 5,000 employees

Data Governance is something that all companies should have and having a tool/process that is easy to manage/maintain makes all aspects easier to keep up with and minimizes variances in how policies/processes are followed.

VP, manufacturing industry, 10,000+ employee
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Respondent Breakdown

Screenshot 2023-12-04 at 12.39.17