Data Governance vs IT Governance: No, They Aren't Same!

Last Updated on: June 19th, 2023, Published on: May 31st, 2023
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Data governance is a set of procedures and guidelines that detail how data is to be properly managed, accessed, and used. Good data governance helps ensure the quality, integrity, and security of organizational data. On the other hand, IT governance is a framework that ensures IT investments align with business objectives. So, while IT governance covers the broader strategy of IT’s role in the organization, data governance specifically focuses on managing and maintaining data.

In this blog, we will learn the key differences between data governance and IT governance and how you should approach both of these concepts.

Let’s dive in!

Table of contents #

  1. Data governance vs IT governance: What makes them different?
  2. Data governance and IT governance in action: Explained with examples
  3. 5 More things you should know about data governance & IT governance
  4. Data governance vs IT governance: A tabular comparison
  5. Summary
  6. Data governance vs IT governance: Related reads

Data governance vs IT governance: What makes them different? #

First, let us understand the basics of data governance.

Data governance refers to the overall management of the availability, usability, integrity, and security of the data used in an enterprise.

  • This includes a set of processes and policies that ensure that data is effectively managed throughout its lifecycle.
  • Data governance efforts involve a number of disciplines, including data management, data quality, data privacy, and business process management.
  • Effective data governance ensures that data is consistent, trustworthy, and not misused.

The key components of data governance include:

  1. Data stewardship: Identifying individuals responsible for data quality and privacy.
  2. Data quality: Ensuring the data is accurate, consistent, and usable.
  3. Metadata management: Tracking data lineage and the meaning of different data elements.
  4. Data access and security: Determining who has access to what data, and ensuring the data is secure from breaches.

Now, let us understand the basics of IT governance.

IT Governance relates to the decision-making rights and responsibilities regarding the enterprise’s IT resources. It includes managing risk, optimizing resources, delivering value, and aligning IT strategy with the overall business strategy.

The key components of IT governance include:

  1. Strategic alignment: Aligning IT strategy with business objectives and ensuring that IT enables and supports the business.
  2. Risk management: Identifying and managing risks associated with using IT.
  3. Resource management: Ensuring efficient and effective use of IT resources.
  4. Performance measurement: Evaluating the performance of IT projects and initiatives.

Is IT governance the same as data governance? #


Data governance is a subset of IT governance. They’re not mutually exclusive but rather complementary to each other.

  • When planning and implementing these governance systems, it’s crucial to understand the relationship between the two.
  • Implementing effective data governance can contribute significantly to achieving the goals of IT governance by providing reliable and consistent data. This in turn can help optimize decision-making and resource utilization.
  • Conversely, strong IT governance can support data governance efforts by ensuring appropriate IT infrastructure and resources are in place.
  • Establishing robust data governance will be crucial to maintaining data quality and security.
  • On the other hand, IT governance will ensure that your data-related initiatives align with your organization’s broader objectives.

Data governance and IT governance in action: Explained with examples #

Now, let us understand the difference between data governance and IT governance with the help of a few examples.

First, let us look at a few data governance examples across different industries.

Data governance examples #


1. Healthcare industry #


  • In a hospital system, patient information is extremely sensitive and needs to be treated with utmost care.
  • Data governance policies in a hospital would dictate who has access to patient records, ensuring only authorized personnel can view or modify those records.
  • Additionally, data quality measures would be in place to ensure that patient records are accurate and up-to-date to avoid any treatment errors.

2. Retail Industry #


  • An e-commerce company has customer data spread across various systems - online shopping, customer service, and delivery tracking.
  • A data governance framework would ensure that customer data across all these systems is consistent.
  • This might involve implementing metadata management to provide clear definitions and tracking for each data element related to a customer.

IT Governance examples #


1. Banking industry #


  • A bank is considering implementing a new IT system for online banking services.
  • IT governance processes would ensure that this initiative aligns with the bank’s overall business strategy.
  • This would include evaluating the potential benefits and risks associated with the new system.
  • The bank’s IT team would need to ensure that it meets regulatory requirements, and decide on the appropriate resource allocation for the project.

2. Manufacturing industry #


  • A manufacturing company has several plants worldwide and wants to implement an ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) system.
  • IT governance would:
    • Guide how this system is implemented across different locations
    • Ensure the project delivers value
    • Stays within budget, and
    • Aligns with the company’s business objectives.

In both data governance and IT governance examples, the common theme is ensuring that the organization’s data and IT resources are managed in a way that supports business goals and maintains integrity, security, and compliance.

5 More things you should know about data governance & IT governance #

Data governance and IT governance are crucial elements for effective management in any organization that heavily depends on data and IT services. Here are a few additional aspects you should consider when understanding and implementing these governance frameworks:

  1. Interdependence and balance
  2. Ownership and responsibility
  3. Risk management
  4. Regulatory compliance
  5. Change management

Let us look into each of these aspects in detail:

1. Interdependence and balance #


  • IT governance and data governance should not be seen as competing or separate initiatives. Instead, they are interdependent, each contributing to the other’s success.
  • Effective IT governance can support data governance by ensuring the right infrastructure and resources are in place.
  • Besides, strong data governance can feed into IT governance by providing reliable and consistent data.

2. Ownership and responsibility #


  • In many organizations, IT governance is a responsibility shared by business and IT leaders, with strategic decisions often driven by a steering committee or similar body.
  • In contrast, data governance often involves various stakeholders, including data owners, data stewards, and end-users.
  • Clear roles and responsibilities should be established for both types of governance to ensure effective decision-making and accountability.

3. Risk management #


  • Both IT governance and data governance play significant roles in risk management.
  • For IT governance, this might involve identifying and mitigating risks related to IT investments and projects.
  • For data governance, this could mean managing risks related to data privacy, data quality, and regulatory compliance.

4. Regulatory compliance #


  • Compliance is a major component of both data governance and IT governance. This is especially true in heavily regulated industries like finance and healthcare.
  • IT governance ensures that the organization’s IT strategy aligns with relevant regulations and standards.
  • At the same time, data governance ensures that data is handled in a manner compliant with laws like GDPR or HIPAA.

5. Change management #


  • Effective data governance and IT governance also require strong change management.
  • This can mean effectively communicating changes to stakeholders, providing necessary training, and managing resistance to change.

Overall, understanding the interaction and overlap between data governance and IT governance will help you create a more coherent and effective IT strategy. Keep in mind that the specifics will depend on the nature and needs of your business, as well as the broader industry context.

Data governance vs IT governance: A tabular comparison #

Now, let us look at a comprehensive comparison table that outlines the differences and overlaps between data governance and IT governance:

 Data GovernanceIT Governance
DefinitionThe management of availability, usability, integrity, and security of data in an enterprise.A framework that ensures IT investments align with business objectives.
GoalTo ensure that data is consistent, trustworthy, and not misused.To ensure that IT enables and supports business objectives.
Components1. Data stewardship
2. Data quality
3. Metadata management 4. Data access and security		1. Strategic alignment
2. Risk management
3. Resource management 4. Performance measurement
OwnershipInvolves various stakeholders including data owners, data stewards, and end-users.Often a shared responsibility between business and IT leaders.
Risk Management1. Manages risks related to data privacy 2. Data quality, and 3. Regulatory compliance.Identifies and mitigates risks related to IT investments and projects.
Regulatory ComplianceEnsures data is handled in a manner compliant with laws like GDPR, HIPAA, etc.Ensures the organization's IT strategy aligns with relevant regulations and standards.
Change ManagementEstablishes processes to handle changes to data attributes, policies, and storage.Establishes processes to handle changes to IT systems, services, and strategies.
Examples1. Managing patient records in a healthcare setting 2. Ensuring data consistency across systems in an e-commerce company.1. Implementing a new IT system in a bank 2. Rolling out an ERP system in a manufacturing company.

Summary #

In summary, data governance concentrates on the management and control of data assets, while IT governance encompasses a broader set of practices for managing IT resources, systems, and operations in alignment with business goals. Both governance frameworks are essential for effective data management and overall organizational performance.

Strong data governance can support the goals of IT governance and vice versa. The specifics will vary based on your organization’s needs, regulatory environment, and strategic objectives.

By understanding the differences and relationships between data governance and IT governance, an organization can better strategize and manage its data and IT resources, ultimately supporting its broader business objectives.

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