This post presents a maturity model for assessing the Governance Structure within an organization, focusing on the Decision-Making Process dimension. It evaluates the systematic and transparent nature of data governance-related decision-making through five key questions.
Assessment Overview
The following sections assess the structure, documentation, inclusivity, transparency, and efficiency of the data governance decision-making process. Each question includes maturity levels (1 to 5) with evaluation guidelines to help determine your organization’s current state.
1. How are data-related decisions made?
Level
Description
Evaluation Guideline
Level 1
No system; arbitrary decisions.
No process exists.
Level 2
Some individuals lead; informal.
Decisions are individual.
Level 3
Basic process exists.
A basic process is defined.
Level 4
Systematic process; documented.
Documented and implemented.
Level 5
Transparent and optimized process.
Transparency is proven.
2. Is the decision-making process documented?
Level
Description
Evaluation Guideline
Level 1
No documentation.
No documentation exists.
Level 2
Verbal agreements only.
Only verbal agreements exist.
Level 3
Some documentation; incomplete.
Some documentation exists.
Level 4
Most documentation.
Comprehensive documentation exists.
Level 5
Fully documented and updated.
Regularly updated.
3. Do stakeholders participate in decision-making?
Level
Description
Evaluation Guideline
Level 1
No participation.
No participation exists.
Level 2
Some participation; informal.
A few participate.
Level 3
Key stakeholders participate.
Key stakeholders participate.
Level 4
Most participate.
Most participate.
Level 5
All stakeholders systematically participate.
All participation is proven.
4. Are decision-making outcomes shared with the organization?
Level
Description
Evaluation Guideline
Level 1
No sharing.
No sharing exists.
Level 2
Irregular sharing.
Irregular sharing occurs.
Level 3
Shared with some departments.
Shared with some departments.
Level 4
Shared with most departments.
Shared with most departments.
Level 5
Fully transparent sharing enterprise-wide.
Enterprise-wide sharing is proven.
5. How fast is the decision-making process?
Level
Description
Evaluation Guideline
Level 1
Very slow.
Decisions are severely delayed.
Level 2
Slow and inefficient.
Inefficient.
Level 3
Moderate speed; some delays.
Moderate speed.
Level 4
Fast and systematic.
Fast decisions.
Level 5
Near real-time speed.
Real-time is proven.
How to Use This Model
Use the evaluation guidelines for each question to assess your organization’s maturity in the data governance decision-making process. Identify gaps in process structure, documentation, stakeholder involvement, transparency, and speed, 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.
