Embracing Multiple Data Governance Frameworks: Path to Agile and Robust Data Management within your organization

As the volume of data rapidly increases within many organizations a constant balancing act is occurring.? It is ensuring data quality, security, compliance, and accessibility is present, while staying adaptable to changes in the business needs and providing the associated insights/metrics for all this data. Enter the concept of using multiple data governance frameworks, which can be an innovative way that offers a more agile, holistic, and robust data governance solution. Rather than relying on trying to use a one-size-fits-all framework, adopting multiple frameworks can offer unique benefits in meeting the diverse demands of modern data organizations.

Here are a few of my personal thoughts around how organizations could consider the use of multiple frameworks.

1. Tailored Fit for Diverse Needs

Not all data governance needs are created equal. Different data domains may require different levels of oversight, security, or compliance. For example, financial data may require stringent regulatory compliance (e.g., SOX, GDPR, CCAR, etc...), while product data may focus more on accessibility and quality to enhance the customer experience. By leveraging frameworks like DAMA-DMBOK for overall governance, combined with ISO 8000 for data quality and NIST for security, you can fine-tune the application of each framework based on the unique requirements of each data domain.

2. Improved Flexibility and Scalability

As an organization grows, so does the complexity of its data landscape. Using a single governance framework can quickly become cumbersome and restrictive, especially when new data sources, technologies, or regulations emerge in a typically very federated organization. A hybrid framework approach, such as blending GDPR-compliant frameworks with cloud data governance models, can ensure that data policies scale alongside your evolving infrastructure and compliance landscape.

3. Enhanced Compliance and Risk Management

With the global expansion of data privacy laws and industry-specific regulations, where new legislation is continually “popping up”, a multi-framework strategy ensures that all regulatory and compliance needs are met across different regions and sectors. For instance, combining the principles of GDPR with sector-specific regulations (such as HIPAA in healthcare or PCI DSS for financial institutions) we can ensure full-spectrum compliance, reducing the risk of non-compliance penalties.

4. Fostering Collaboration Across Departments

Different departments/domains within any given organization have different data needs. Marketing teams might focus on data-driven decision-making, while IT teams are concerned with security and integrity. Using a combination of frameworks—such as leveraging the CMMI for process maturity and ITIL for service management, organizations can bridge these departmental gaps, fostering collaboration and ensuring that all teams are aligned in managing data according to their specific needs and goals.

5. Driving Innovation

Organizations committed to using multiple data governance frameworks are often more agile in responding to technological advancements and emerging trends. For instance, adopting AI/ML frameworks alongside traditional data governance models can help organizations stay at the cutting edge of innovation, all while maintaining strong governance standards for these models (e.g. eliminating things like bias, overfitting, etc…)

Real-World Example: The Hybrid Framework in Action

I was a leader at a large multinational bank engagement where we implemented a hybrid data governance strategy, combining the best practices from DAMA-DMBOK for general governance, NIST for cybersecurity, and the Data Governance Institute (DGI) Framework for policy creation and operationalization. Based upon some initial analysis conducted, this multi-framework approach allowed this bank client to enhance data quality and accessibility across different departments, ensure compliance with international standards like GDPR, and bolster data security, all while maintaining the flexibility to scale and adapt as new business needs were identified.

Conclusion: A Balanced Approach to Data Governance

Adopting multiple data governance frameworks offers organizations the flexibility, scalability, and security needed to thrive in today’s data-driven world. By selecting the right mix of frameworks tailored to your specific needs, you can maximize data value, reduce risks, and foster a culture of collaboration that drives innovation and compliance. Therefore, embrace the power of multiple frameworks to unlock a future of smarter, more efficient data management policies, processes and procedures.

Is your organization ready to explore the multi-framework approach to data governance.... Let's talk!!