This post presents a maturity model for assessing the Governance Structure within an organization, focusing on the Performance Measurement dimension. It evaluates the metrics and reporting systems used to measure governance performance through five key questions.
Assessment Overview
The following sections assess the existence, regularity, feedback mechanisms, alignment, and oversight of performance metrics in data governance. Each question includes maturity levels (1 to 5) with evaluation guidelines to help determine your organization’s current state.
1. Are there metrics to measure governance performance?
Level
Description
Evaluation Guideline
Level 1
No metrics.
No metrics exist.
Level 2
Temporary metrics used.
Temporary metrics are in use.
Level 3
Basic metrics defined.
Metrics are defined.
Level 4
Standardized metrics.
Metrics are standardized.
Level 5
Integrated metrics.
Integration is proven.
2. Are metrics regularly reported?
Level
Description
Evaluation Guideline
Level 1
No reporting.
No reporting exists.
Level 2
Irregular reporting.
Irregular reporting occurs.
Level 3
Regular reporting started.
Regular reporting has started.
Level 4
Regular reporting systematized.
Reporting is systematized.
Level 5
Real-time reporting.
Real-time reporting is proven.
3. Is there a feedback loop for performance improvement?
Level
Description
Evaluation Guideline
Level 1
No feedback.
No feedback exists.
Level 2
Informal feedback.
Informal feedback occurs.
Level 3
Basic feedback exists.
Basic feedback exists.
Level 4
Regular feedback.
Regular feedback occurs.
Level 5
Systematic feedback and improvement.
Systematic feedback is proven.
4. Are metrics aligned with business goals?
Level
Description
Evaluation Guideline
Level 1
No alignment.
No alignment exists.
Level 2
Some alignment; unclear.
Alignment is unclear.
Level 3
Basic alignment exists.
Basic alignment exists.
Level 4
Mostly aligned.
Mostly aligned with goals.
Level 5
Fully aligned and optimized.
Full alignment is proven.
5. Does senior management review performance reports?
Level
Description
Evaluation Guideline
Level 1
No review.
No review exists.
Level 2
Irregular review.
Irregular review occurs.
Level 3
Some senior management review.
Some review by senior management.
Level 4
Regular review.
Regular review occurs.
Level 5
Senior management-led review and action.
Proactive action is proven.
How to Use This Model
Use the evaluation guidelines for each question to assess your organization’s maturity in performance measurement for data governance. Identify gaps in metrics definition, reporting regularity, feedback loops, alignment with business goals, and senior management oversight, then take steps to progress toward higher maturity levels.
The author has lived and breathed the life of a data steward for years, wrestling with data to keep organizations on track. Through countless hours of consulting—both giving and receiving advice—learned one thing: explaining and leading data governance is no easy feat.
