Identifying the constructs and agile capabilities of data governance and data management : a review of the literature

Abstract

Data has become an invaluable asset to organizations. However, it is evident from the existing literature that despite the increased awareness of the importance of their data assets, many organizations fail to manage and govern these assets with the agility required in a highly competitive and volatile business environment. For data governance to be effective and sustainable in a turbulent, increasingly regulated, and competitive organizational environment, all of the elements of data governance should enable and support agility in the organization’s management of its data and information assets. As a result of increased local and global data regulations, a high reliance on technical skills, and economic constraints, organizations in developing countries have experienced challenges with implementing data governance programs. Governance within an organization comprises the internal processes and policies that enable human capital performance, legal and regulatory compliance and organizational alignment. There is no single approach to achieving successful data governance, and factors pertaining to the organization’s strategy, structure, business requirements and culture need to be considered. In this study a systematic review of existing academic literature was conducted to investigate (1) the scope and constructs of data governance and data management, (2) the agile capabilities that are required in data governance and data management for the timeous delivery of useful data to business, and (3) the need for African organizations to establish agile capabilities in their data governance and data management functions. The results of this review should be helpful with assisting organizations in African countries to achieve agility in the governance and management of data that supports business requirements and organizational agility.