Do we have a Data Culture?

Abstract

Nowadays, adopting a “data culture” or operating “data-driven” are desired goals for a number of managers. However, what does it mean when an organization claims to have data culture? A clear definition is not available. This paper aims to sharpen the understanding of data culture in organizations by discussing recent usages of the term. It shows that data culture is a kind of organizational culture. A special form of data culture is a data-driven culture. We conclude that a data-driven culture is defined by following a specific set of values, behaviors and norms that enable effective data analytics. Besides these values, behaviors and norms, this paper presents the job roles necessary for a datadriven culture. We include the crucial role of the data steward that elevates a data culture to a data-driven culture by administering data governance. Finally, we propose a definition of data-driven culture that focuses on the commitment to data-based decision making and an ever-improving data analytics process. This paper helps teams and organizations of any size that strive towards advancing their – not necessarily big – data analytics capabilities by drawing their attention to the often neglected, non-technical requirements: data governance and a suitable organizational culture.