Introduction

In his thought-provoking book, “Data Governance,” John Ladley, a respected eLearningcurve instructor, challenges the conventional perception of data governance by suggesting that its ultimate goal is to “disappear.”

This might seem counter-intuitive at first, considering how many companies initiate their data governance journey by creating new roles and organizational structures to support their idealized vision of data governance. However, the true challenge lies in maintaining the initial momentum and integrating data governance seamlessly into everyday operations.

Business-As-Usual Data Governance

John’s underlying message is that data governance encompasses a multitude of essential tasks and responsibilities that should inherently be a part of regular business practices. Rather than viewing data governance as a separate and novel function, successful organizations integrate its principles into existing processes, making it an integral part of their day-to-day activities.

Embracing Data Governance Principles

Here are some key ways in which organizations can embrace active data governance principles within their existing operations:

• Policy Updates: Whenever a business policy is updated, it is crucial to review and revise the corresponding data policy simultaneously.
• Report Definitions: Defining a new report should go hand in hand with updating the reporting catalogue, business terms, and mappings accordingly.

By assimilating data governance practices into routine procedures, the need for a dedicated data governance function diminishes, as data governance becomes a natural and seamless aspect of the organization’s culture.

Fostering a Data-Governed Culture

While larger companies may still require a centralized data governance function to support the broader community, for most organizations, data governance should be deeply ingrained into the fabric of their operations. By fostering a data-governed culture, data stewardship becomes a shared responsibility across departments, ensuring data quality and integrity are upheld at every level.

Conclusion

In conclusion, John Ladley’s vision of data governance aims to dissolve the perception of it being an independent entity and encourages organizations to embrace data governance principles as part of their core activities. By doing so, data governance seamlessly integrates into the daily functioning of the organization, leading to improved data quality and unlocking the true value of enterprise information assets.

For those interested in delving deeper into John’s insights, consider enrolling in one of his eLearningcurve data governance courses for invaluable knowledge and expertise.

You can get John’s book, Data Governance, here.