This post provides a detailed maturity model for assessing the Governance Structure within an organization, focusing on the Organization and Roles dimension. It evaluates whether data governance responsibilities and roles are clearly defined and operational through four key questions.
Assessment Overview
The following sections assess the clarity and operational effectiveness of data governance roles and responsibilities within the organization. Each question includes maturity levels (1 to 5) with corresponding evaluation guidelines to help determine your organization’s current state.
1. Does the organization have a dedicated team (e.g., committee, CDO) overseeing data governance?
Level
Description
Evaluation Guideline
Level 1
No dedicated team or role definition.
No data governance team in the org chart.
Level 2
Some individuals take responsibility; no formal structure.
Individuals informally take responsibility.
Level 3
Some roles defined; CDO exists but with limited authority.
A CDO exists but lacks real authority.
Level 4
Formal team exists; roles documented and partially implemented.
A formal team operates with documentation.
Level 5
Clear team operations; roles defined at all levels and regularly reviewed.
Regular meetings and role reviews are proven.
2. Are roles and responsibilities (R&R) documented?
Level
Description
Evaluation Guideline
Level 1
No documented R&R.
No R&R documentation exists.
Level 2
Verbally communicated only; no documentation.
Only verbal agreements exist.
Level 3
Some roles documented; incomplete.
Some documentation exists but is incomplete.
Level 4
Most roles documented; partially applied.
Comprehensive documentation exists.
Level 5
All roles and responsibilities clearly documented and implemented.
Documentation is implemented and updated.
3. Does the governance team hold regular meetings?
Level
Description
Evaluation Guideline
Level 1
No meetings.
No trace of meetings.
Level 2
Irregular and informal meetings.
Only irregular meetings occur.
Level 3
Regular meetings started; no records.
Regular meetings have started.
Level 4
Regular meetings; some records.
Meeting minutes exist.
Level 5
Regular meetings; minutes and follow-up actions fully documented.
Minutes and actions are proven.
4. Are decision-making authorities for data-related matters clearly defined?
Level
Description
Evaluation Guideline
Level 1
Decision-making authority unclear.
No authority definition.
Level 2
Some individuals make decisions arbitrarily.
Decisions rely on individual judgment.
Level 3
Some authority defined; confusion exists.
Some documented authority exists.
Level 4
Authority documented; mostly followed.
Authority is clearly implemented.
Level 5
Authority clearly defined and fully followed enterprise-wide.
Fully followed enterprise-wide.
How to Use This Model
Use the evaluation guidelines for each question to assess your organization’s maturity in data governance structure. Identify areas for improvement, such as formalizing teams, documenting roles, establishing regular meetings, and clarifying decision-making authorities, 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.
