Tech Data Distribution (Hong Kong) Limited, a TD SYNNEX company, is a leading global distributor and solutions aggregator for the IT ecosystem. It helps more than 150,000 customers in 100+ countries to maximize the value of their technology investments, demonstrate business outcomes and unlock growth opportunities. Tech Data HK is dedicated to uniting compelling IT products, services and solutions from 1,500+ best-in-class technology vendors worldwide.
The HK government has explored the possibility of revising the definition of personal data under its Data Protection Ordinance, which currently covers any information that is able to identify an individual. Such a change would increase the compliance requirements for companies that use data-related technologies, as they would need to ensure their processes are compliant with all aspects of the law.
A well-organized data governance program is critical. This includes having a clear role definition for your team members, establishing an effective communication structure and building the right tools. You should also develop a vision for your data governance program and a detailed business case that clearly articulates the return on investment of the initiative.
Your team should include business and IT subject matter experts. These people will be able to translate how your governance framework affects business processes, decisions and interactions. Experienced business analysts who act as communications bridges between business and IT make strong business stewards, while senior IT and enterprise architects make excellent IT stewards.
To drive ongoing data audits and metrics that assess program success and ROI, your team must have a designated leader. This person coordinates tasks for stewards, helps communicate decisions made by stewards and is the primary point of escalation to your executive sponsor and steering committee. The leader should be a highly-trained project manager who is adept at handling the day-to-day management of the team.
It is important to recognize that your data governance program will impact a large number of individuals. As a result, your team is bound to have passionate opinions and viewpoints that may conflict with each other. To manage these conflicts effectively, you should utilize a responsibility assignment matrix like RACI (Responsible, Accountable, Consulted and Informed), which will help to clarify roles and responsibilities for each team member. This will reduce conflicts and improve team performance. It will also improve overall governance effectiveness and accountability. In addition, it will improve team morale and communication. As a result, your team will be better prepared to address business challenges and opportunities.
