What is Data Governance and Why It Is Important

What is data governance refers to the organized approach an organization takes to manage its data effectively. It includes the principles, practices, and standards that help ensure data remains reliable, secure, and well-managed throughout its lifecycle. Strong data governance empowers companies to use their data confidently, knowing it is trustworthy and well-regulated.
Understanding what does data governance do is key to recognizing its value. It sets clear guidelines on how data should be handled, who is responsible for it, and how it can be accessed and used. This clarity reduces confusion, prevents misuse, and promotes better collaboration between teams. It also supports compliance with regulations and helps organizations avoid costly errors or breaches.
A crucial element of this structure is the set of what are data governance policies. These formal documents define how data should be collected, stored, protected, and shared. They help ensure consistency and compliance across the entire organization, especially in industries where data sensitivity is high, such as healthcare or finance.
To put these practices into action, organizations rely on what is a data governance model. This model defines the structure for managing data by specifying the roles, duties, and workflows involved. It ensures that individuals such as data owners, stewards, and governance teams are clearly accountable, creating a cohesive approach to maintaining and governing data across the organization.
In essence, what is data governance is not just a technical process but a strategic framework that enhances trust in data, supports informed decision-making, and ensures long-term organizational success.