Why Data Governance Programs Fail
In reading many articles about the various data governance initiatives that have been started by organizations of all sizes and across all industries, one may sense that all such programs are immediately effective. Unfortunately, this is not the case, as Gartner predicts that less than 10% of initial data governance programs succeed (Gartner, 2008 and later). The reasons for these failures are as varied as the programs they represent, but there are some themes that can be identified to serve as warnings for new or existing programs.
Why Do Data Governance Initiatives Fail?
Cultural barriers are one of the primary reasons why data governance initiatives fail. In many companies, a culture of neglect toward data quality management has developed, combined with siloed data acquisition and management practices. These issues prevent the formation of an effective data governance strategy because:
- Poor data quality is not resolved automatically.
- Organizational silos hinder collaboration across departments.
Additionally, business management often avoids taking ownership of data assets, expecting the IT department to handle all data security and quality issues. To overcome these barriers, it’s crucial to socialize the data governance program within the company culture, ensuring that data becomes a strategic asset and part of the ongoing process of business operations.
Implementing a strong change management strategy and engaging executive leaders early on will help align the governance initiative with the company’s business goals and foster an environment where high-quality data is a priority.
One of the common reasons why data governance initiatives fail is the lack of sustained executive sponsorship. While initial sponsorship is crucial, maintaining that support over time is essential for long-term success. A data governance initiative relies heavily on continued backing from data governance leaders to navigate organizational shifts, including management or role changes.
To ensure operational efficiency and prevent the program from stalling, organizations should:
- Provide periodic updates on program successes, challenges, and data governance efforts.
- Request executive intervention to address cultural barriers or data ownership issues.
- Highlight the benefits of data governance by showcasing improvements in data quality and decision-making processes.
Sustaining executive sponsorship helps align the program with business objectives, ensuring that data governance strategies remain a priority throughout the data governance journey. Without this, organizations risk seeing their data governance fail, leading to data privacy risks and poor informed decision-making.
Small Wins Matter in Data Governance Initiatives
One reason data governance initiatives fail is the focus on achieving only big results, leading to stalled progress. Successful data governance is a long-term effort, and waiting for major breakthroughs can result in failing data governance initiatives.
To maintain momentum, it’s crucial to:
- Demonstrate small victories in data management, data integration, or data quality, even if they seem minor.
- Share day-to-day successes to show progress and build support within the organization.
- Use these wins to gain executive buy-in and reinforce the importance of good data governance.
These small achievements help create lasting change, ensuring that data governance efforts evolve into permanent, effective programs. Building gradually allows organizations to address their data issues without overwhelming the process, ultimately leading to greater operational efficiency and stronger data ecosystems.
Unrealistic Expectations for Data Governance Initiatives
Unrealistic expectations are a leading cause of why data governance initiatives fail. Many organizations expect rapid transformation from no program to an enterprise-wide data governance system in just a few months. This approach is flawed, as data governance relies on a gradual process that can take years to fully develop.
Successful data governance programs often require 3+ years to show comprehensive results. To avoid data governance failure, organizations must:
- Implement realistic change management strategies.
- Understand that developing data teams and effective data governance tools takes time.
- Ensure that necessary resources are in place to handle day-to-day work and long-term goals.
By managing expectations and allowing the program to evolve over time, organizations can avoid failing data governance initiatives and better address their company’s data problems.
Underestimating the Effort Required in Data Governance Programs
A common reason why data governance initiatives fail is underestimating the effort required to plan, scope, and execute them. Data governance is a complex, multi-stage process that demands careful planning to address sensitive data and ensure data quality.
Key steps to avoid failure include:
- Defining clear objectives and planning for each stage.
- Identifying and assigning data stewards who will handle day-to-day tasks.
- Ensuring that both execution and communication plans are in place.
Without proper preparation and the right team, organizations fail to manage data effectively, leaving management data governance in disarray. Taking the time to structure the program is critical for long-term success, ensuring executive support and preventing a lack of support in the day-to-day basis operations.
Avoiding “Planning Paralysis” in Data Governance Programs
Planning paralysis is another reason why data governance initiatives fail. While planning is essential, over-planning without taking action can be just as detrimental as insufficient preparation. Organizations often fall into the trap of excessive strategizing, creating complicated procedures without ever implementing them.
To avoid this, focus on:
- Balancing planning with execution—move from strategy to action.
- Using tools that help automate processes and streamline implementation.
- Recognizing the importance of data governance by applying plans to real-world governance tasks.
A classic example of failure is when an organization spends too much time planning and fails to start the actual work. Effective programs combine thoughtful preparation with immediate action.
Sustained Commitment Is Essential for Data Governance Success
A lack of sustained business commitment is a key reason why data governance initiatives fail. Without the ongoing participation of businesspeople, including members of the governance council and data stewards, the program will struggle to survive.
To ensure success:
- Involve key business stakeholders from the start.
- Maintain a daily commitment to governance goals and regular activities.
- Use the right tools to support and streamline the process.
In the same way, a car needs fuel to run, a data governance program requires consistent business involvement to achieve its long-term goals.
Why Metrics Are Vital in Data Governance Programs
Without proper metrics, data governance programs lack the visibility needed to demonstrate success and value. Metrics help track:
- Spending and savings.
- Improvements in data quality.
- Changes in data reuse and error ratios.
Using the right tools to measure and monitor these key factors ensures that progress is communicated regularly to executives and staff. Clear metrics not only validate the program’s impact but also maintain interest and support, which are crucial for its ongoing success.
The Importance of a Dedicated Team in Data Governance Initiatives
One reason data governance initiatives fail is the absence of a dedicated team. Expecting data stewards and the governance council to handle all administrative duties is unrealistic. A successful program needs:
- A program director whose primary responsibility is managing the initiative.
- Support staff to assist with communication, analysis, and project tasks.
Without a dedicated team, data governance programs struggle to thrive. Using appropriate tools to aid in project management and communication further enhances the program’s effectiveness and longevity.
Turning Failures into Success: Key Takeaways for Data Governance Programs
Understanding the reasons why data governance initiatives fail allows organizations to address challenges proactively. By overcoming cultural barriers, maintaining executive sponsorship, focusing on small wins, managing expectations, and ensuring sustained commitment, organizations can transform potential failures into data governance success. With proper planning, dedicated teams, and the right tools, a data governance program can evolve into a vital asset, driving data quality and operational efficiency across the organization.
