Data Governance

Data governance establishes who can decide how data is defined, used, changed, and maintained, and who is accountable for those decisions. Data management performs the associated work. In a small team, the same people may participate in both.

A disagreement needs a decision path

Suppose marketing counts every created order while operations counts only paid orders. The numbers can differ without either query being broken. Someone must clarify the purposes, approve distinct definitions, and settle conflicts when reports claim to measure the same thing.

Useful governance connects a rule to its scope, responsible person, implementation, and evidence. A document with no responsible decision-maker cannot resolve a new payment state or prioritize a missing-data repair.

Responsibility continues after approval

Changes need impact review, versioned decisions, and communication to affected users. Quality failures need an agreed response, such as labeling an incomplete report or withholding it.

Ownership does not mean unrestricted control over data. Decisions remain subject to the organization's applicable restrictions. A practical starting point is one disputed measure, a named owner, a documented rule, and a way to report and resolve exceptions.

Reference: UK Government: Data ownership model.