By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
SmartData Collective
  • Analytics
    AnalyticsShow More
    construction analytics
    5 Benefits of Analytics to Manage Commercial Construction
    5 Min Read
    benefits of data analytics for financial industry
    Fascinating Changes Data Analytics Brings to Finance
    7 Min Read
    analyzing big data for its quality and value
    Use this Strategic Approach to Maximize Your Data’s Value
    6 Min Read
    data-driven seo for product pages
    6 Tips for Using Data Analytics for Product Page SEO
    11 Min Read
    big data analytics in business
    5 Ways to Utilize Data Analytics to Grow Your Business
    6 Min Read
  • Big Data
  • BI
  • Exclusive
  • IT
  • Marketing
  • Software
Search
© 2008-23 SmartData Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Reading: The Prince of Data Governance
Share
Notification Show More
Latest News
cloud-centric companies using network relocation
Cloud-Centric Companies Discover Benefits & Pitfalls of Network Relocation
Cloud Computing
construction analytics
5 Benefits of Analytics to Manage Commercial Construction
Analytics
database compliance guide
Four Strategies For Effective Database Compliance
Data Management
Digital Security From Weaponized AI
Fortifying Enterprise Digital Security Against Hackers Weaponizing AI
Security
DevOps on cloud
Optimizing Cost with DevOps on the Cloud
Development
Aa
SmartData Collective
Aa
Search
  • About
  • Help
  • Privacy
Follow US
© 2008-23 SmartData Collective. All Rights Reserved.
SmartData Collective > Uncategorized > The Prince of Data Governance
Uncategorized

The Prince of Data Governance

JimHarris
Last updated: 2010/06/15 at 1:48 AM
JimHarris
6 Min Read
SHARE
- Advertisement -

Machiavelli

The difference between politics and policies was explained in the recent blog post A New Dimension in Data Governance Directives: Politics by Jarrett Goldfedder, who also discussed the need to consider the political influences involved, as they can often have a far greater impact on our data governance policies than many choose to recognize.

- Advertisement -

I definitely agree, especially since the unique corporate culture of every organization carries with it the intricacies and complexities of politics that Niccolò Machiavelli (pictured) wrote about in his book The Prince.

The book, even despite the fact it was written in the early 16th century, remains a great, albeit generally regarded as satirical, view on politics.

More Read

database compliance guide

Four Strategies For Effective Database Compliance

5 Big Data Storage Solutions
How To Keep Your Data Security Knowledge Up To Date?
Crucial Advantages of Investing in Big Data Management Solutions
Big Data Strategies Hinge on Using Drop Tables in SQL Servers

The Prince provides a classic study of the acquisition, expansion, and effective use of political power, where the ends always justify the means.

An example of a Machiavellian aspect of the politics of data governance is when a primary stakeholder, while always maintaining the illusion of compliance, only truly complies with policies when it suits the very purposes of their own personal agenda, or when it benefits the interests of the business unit that they represent on …

- Advertisement -

Machiavelli

The difference between politics and policies was explained in the recent blog post A New Dimension in Data Governance Directives: Politics by Jarrett Goldfedder, who also discussed the need to consider the political influences involved, as they can often have a far greater impact on our data governance policies than many choose to recognize.

I definitely agree, especially since the unique corporate culture of every organization carries with it the intricacies and complexities of politics that Niccolò Machiavelli (pictured) wrote about in his book The Prince.

The book, even despite the fact it was written in the early 16th century, remains a great, albeit generally regarded as satirical, view on politics.

- Advertisement -

The Prince provides a classic study of the acquisition, expansion, and effective use of political power, where the ends always justify the means.

An example of a Machiavellian aspect of the politics of data governance is when a primary stakeholder, while always maintaining the illusion of compliance, only truly complies with policies when it suits the very purposes of their own personal agenda, or when it benefits the interests of the business unit that they represent on the data governance board.

Creating Accountability

In her excellent comment on my recent blog post Jack Bauer and Enforcing Data Governance Policies, Kelle O’Neal provided a link to the great article Creating Accountability by Nancy Raulston, which explains that there is a significant difference between increasing accountability (e.g., for compliance with data governance policies) and simply getting everyone to do what they’re told (especially if you have considered resorting to the use of a Jack Bauer approach to enforcing data governance policies).

Raulston shares her high-level thoughts about the key aspects of alignment with vision and goals, achieving clarity on actions and priorities, establishing ownership of processes and responsibilities, the structure of meetings, and the critical role of active and direct communication—all of which are necessary to create true accountability.

- Advertisement -

“Accountability does not come from every single person getting every single action item done on time,” explains Raulston.  “It arises as groups actively manage the process of making progress, raising and resolving issues, actively negotiating commitments, and providing direct feedback to team members whose behavior is impeding the team.”

Obviously, this is often easier said than done.  However, as Raulston concludes, “ultimate success comes from each person being willing to honestly engage in the process, believing that the improved probability of success outweighs any momentary discomfort from occasionally having to admit to not having gotten something done.”  Or perhaps more important, occasionally having to be comfortable with not having gotten what would suit their personal agenda, or benefit the interests of their group.

The Art of the Possible

“Right now, our only choice,” as Goldfedder concluded his post, “is to hope that the leaders in charge of the final decisions can put their own political goals aside for the sake of the principles and policies they have been entrusted to uphold and protect.”

Although I agree, as well as also acknowledge that the politics of data governance will always make it as much art as it is science, I can not help but be reminded of the famous words of Otto von Bismarck:

- Advertisement -

“Politics is the art of the possible.”

The politics of data governance are extremely challenging, and yes, at times rather Machiavellian in their nature. 

Although it is certainly by no means an easy endeavor for either you or your organization to undertake, neither is achieving a successful and sustainable data governance program impossible. 

Politics may be The Prince of Data Governance, but as long as Communication and Collaboration reign as King and Queen, then Data Governance is the Art of the Possible.

 

Please share your thoughts about the politics of data governance, as well as your overall perspectives on data governance.

 

Link to original post

TAGGED: compliance, data management, governance, politics
JimHarris June 15, 2010
Share this Article
Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn
Share
- Advertisement -

Follow us on Facebook

Latest News

cloud-centric companies using network relocation
Cloud-Centric Companies Discover Benefits & Pitfalls of Network Relocation
Cloud Computing
construction analytics
5 Benefits of Analytics to Manage Commercial Construction
Analytics
database compliance guide
Four Strategies For Effective Database Compliance
Data Management
Digital Security From Weaponized AI
Fortifying Enterprise Digital Security Against Hackers Weaponizing AI
Security

Stay Connected

1.2k Followers Like
33.7k Followers Follow
222 Followers Pin

You Might also Like

database compliance guide
Data Management

Four Strategies For Effective Database Compliance

8 Min Read
Data Management

5 Big Data Storage Solutions

6 Min Read
keep data security up to date
Security

How To Keep Your Data Security Knowledge Up To Date?

5 Min Read
benefits of big data management solutions
Big Data

Crucial Advantages of Investing in Big Data Management Solutions

8 Min Read

SmartData Collective is one of the largest & trusted community covering technical content about Big Data, BI, Cloud, Analytics, Artificial Intelligence, IoT & more.

AI and chatbots
Chatbots and SEO: How Can Chatbots Improve Your SEO Ranking?
Artificial Intelligence Chatbots Exclusive
data-driven web design
5 Great Tips for Using Data Analytics for Website UX
Big Data

Quick Link

  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
Follow US

© 2008-23 SmartData Collective. All Rights Reserved.

Removed from reading list

Undo
Go to mobile version
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Lost your password?