This chapter outlines a case study of the development and sustainability process of an information governance (IG) program at a college in Texas. It employs an action research methodological approach to lay out the critical factors in executing and IG program. It discusses the key components in designing and implementing strategies, policies, practices, and compliance in IG. Findings emphasize the importance of aligning the IG program with strategic objectives and organizational culture. The participatory nature of action research enhances program sustainability and buy-in. Effective communication, training, and change management are highlighted as crucial for successful IG adoption, in addition to the importance of eDiscovery within the process. The study aims to provide a tailored governance framework within the context of a college program offering potential applicability to various industries.
TopTheoretical Framework
Data management is the rising driving force behind any successful organization, regardless of its size, segment, or industry. Data and information governance are organizational approaches to build and effectively use tacit and explicit knowledge towards building business intelligence and competitiveness. Kooper, Maes & Lindgreen (2010) investigates the governance of information, technology and management support defending that:
Governance is generally interpreted as a hierarchical framework for guidelines, policies, responsibilities, and procedures to ensure a certain level of control within an organization. But the definition of information governance does not necessarily restrict its use to one specific framework. Information governance may vary from a set of policies, a way of working, or the creation of a space within a predefined settlement (such as an online community). (p. 197).
The proliferation of digital technologies, coupled with the advent of the Internet of Things (IoT), has led to an unprecedented surge in data generation. Organizations and academic institutions are now inundated with vast amounts of structured and unstructured information streaming from a plethora of sources. Embracing the potential of this data holds the promise of informed decision-making, transformative research, and enriched learning experiences. However, without a well-defined information governance program, the influx of data can quickly transform from a blessing to a burden, hampering productivity, and exposing vulnerabilities. Information governance serves as the backbone of prudent data management strategies. At its core, it involves the systematic alignment of policies, processes, and technologies to facilitate the seamless handling of data throughout its lifecycle. By ensuring data integrity, security, and accessibility, information governance empowers organizations and academic institutions to harness the full potential of their data while minimizing risks and enhancing compliance (Davoudi et al., 2020).