How managers can strengthen the data culture in the company
A successful data culture is the key for companies to get the most out of the constantly growing amount of data. The trend to make decisions based on data is unstoppable. But how do managers empower their teams to use data effectively?
A lively data culture: The fuel for corporate success
Data culture is more than just a buzzword — it is the basis for data-based decisions. When all departments of a company use data to improve work processes and make decisions, an atmosphere is created in which competent handling of data is standard. Why is that so important? Data is the fuel for business success: 76 percent of participants in the BARC Data Culture Survey 22 stated that their company is striving for a data culture. And 75 percent of managers see data culture as the most important skill.
The decisive role of managers
An established data culture is not only a success factor for the company, but also a way to promote innovation and motivate employees. Managers play a central role here by acting as pioneers and actively supporting change. They must clearly communicate the benefits of a data culture, establish clear guidelines for data protection and data quality, and provide targeted training and regular communication about progress. A clear responsibility for the data culture is crucial, as 31 percent of companies with a weak data culture do not have a dedicated department or person with this responsibility.
Challenges and solutions
The path to a successful data culture is fraught with hurdles. Managers must face various challenges:
- Resistance to change: A transition to a data culture can be met with resistance. Managers must clearly communicate the benefits and provide training to involve their employees in the change process.
- Lack of data governance: Guidelines and standards for handling data are crucial. If these are missing, data quality is reduced in the worst case. That leads to wrong decisions. This requires methods for data cleansing and validation as well as regular audits.
- Privacy concerns: Data protection and data access are often in conflict. Clear guidelines and safety measures must be introduced here in order to gain the trust of employees.
- Lack of resources and support: Without the necessary resources, building a data culture can fail. Companies must provide targeted training and present business benefits in economic indicators to gain the support of their managers.
Best practices for a strong data culture
To effectively establish a data culture, companies can rely on the following best practices:Critical thinking: Promoting critical thinking and ethical standards is critical. Data and AI solutions will become tools of everyday life everywhere. That is why human intelligence remains the most important competence when using technology.Measuring and planning: Data culture can only be built up step by step. Companies should measure and evaluate data-driven behavior to assess progress. The stronger the data culture, the more omnipresent is data-driven decision-making.Establishing key roles: Companies should create special functions or roles for employees who link the data strategy with the corporate strategy and, as a central multiplier, promote the data culture among employees. The development of a strong data culture requires clear leadership, clear guidelines and the commitment of the entire organization. Managers play a decisive role in successfully shaping the transition to a data-driven culture.
Building a strong data culture: Our strategic approach
At statworx, we specialize in establishing robust data cultures in companies. Our strategy is based on proven frameworks, best practices, and our extensive experience to lay the foundations for a successful data culture in your organization.
- Data culture strategy: Working hand in hand with our clients' teams, we develop the strategic roadmap needed to foster a thriving data culture. This includes building the basic structures that are essential to maximize the potential of your company data.
- Data culture trainings: We rely on empowering your workforce with the skills and knowledge to operate in the area of data and AI. Our training programs aim to equip employees with the skills they need to build a strong data culture. This allows companies to exploit the full potential of data and artificial intelligence.
- Change management and support: Establishing a data culture requires sustained efforts in change management. We work with customer teams to establish long-term change programs that aim to initiate and solidify a robust data culture within the company. Our goal is to ensure that transformation remains embedded in the organization's DNA to ensure continued success.
With our comprehensive range of services, we strive to lead companies into a future where data becomes a strategic asset that unlocks new opportunities and enables informed decision-making at all levels. We have discussed this in detail in our white paper ”Data culture as a management task in companies” written, which also contains a data culture checklist. Our offers relating to data culture are available on our Data Culture topic page to find.
