The Prince of Data Governance

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.

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.

“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:

“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.

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Comments

[Henrik Liliendahl Sørensen]

Jim, you are so right.

I have on numerous occasions seen how politics overrules well founded business cases, extensive data analytics, and so on.

One example was a message from the CIO of a big firm during a data quality tool selection process:

• We will only buy the best tools available – as long as they are branded by Microsoft or SAP

Also many years ago I worked in an insurance company. We spent many days making a really extensive analysis with data (including sorting out some data quality issues) and found that our customers had a different profile than the market in general, which could lead to a competitive pricing for a product. The CEO was very impressed, but quickly decided to follow the market for the pricing.

[Jill Wanless]

Very timely post Jim!

Our Data Governance group has been working for the last few months developing some beginning principles and policies. Everyone is on board (so far...;)) because the approach was truly collaborative. Openness, honesty and encouragement to speak out is re-iterated every time we meet. Every single decision and outcome is communicated, there is full transparency, no surprises. This is essential to get through the political stuff that is always floating around...

(Also, once I brought home made chocolate chip cookies - that always helps too!).

:)

[Jim Harris]

Thanks for your comments, Henrik and Jill.

As always, feedback from both of you is great appreciated.

@Henrik — Excellent point. Sadly, it seems, for all their talk about the importance of well-founded business cases and extensive data analytics enabling a more data-driven, decision making enterprise, at the end of the day, too many executives still simply follow industry trends, as well as going with the supposedly safe route of only buying solutions from established vendors, following the sentiment of the old adage: “nobody ever got fired for hiring IBM” (or Microsoft or SAP, etc.).

Please read Henrik's really good blog post providing the full story of his excellent insurance company example:

A really bad Address

@Jill — Thanks for continuing to share the experiences of your data governance program. The industry needs to hear more real success stories such as the one you and your entire Data Governance Group are helping to write for your organization.

And of course, home made chocolate chip cookies are an indefensible secret weapon in corporate politics :-)

[Jarrett Goldfedder]

Jim, I wholeheartedly agree.

Politics and self-interest are rarely addressed factors in principles of data governance, yet are such a strong component during some high-profile implementations, that DG truly does need to be treated as an "art rather than a science."

Data teams should have principles and policies to follow, but these can be easily overshadowed by decisions made from a few executives promoting their own agendas.

Somehow, built into the existing theories of governance, we should consider how to handle these political influences using some measure of accountability that all team members--stakeholders included--need to have.