Data Governance

149

7

Adaptive Data Governance:

The AT-EASE Change

Management Approach

Dasaratha Rama

CONTENTS

Introduction ....................................................................................................150

Getting to at Ease ............................................................................................151

e AT-EASE Model and Change Management ........................................152

e AT-EASE Elements ................................................................................ 154

Develop Awareness: Accessing and Trying ............................................155

Realize Early Wins: Exploring and Applying .........................................157

Develop Ownership: Seeking and Embedding ......................................158

Using the AT-EASE Model ............................................................................ 159

e Six Cs and AT-EASE ..........................................................................159

Six Cs and AT-EASE Change Management Practices ..........................160

Enhancing AT-EASE Application with Systems inking .......................161

Models of Data Governance ..................................................................... 162

Making Distinctions .............................................................................162

Organizing into Systems ......................................................................164

Forming Relationships .........................................................................164

Taking Perspectives ..............................................................................165

Constructing and using AT-EASE Models .................................................166

Constructing an AT-EASE Model: Noninvasive Data Governance ....166

Constructing an AT-EASE Diagram: Adaptive Data Governance ......169

Make Distinctions ................................................................................. 169

Organize into Systems ..........................................................................169

Document Relationships ......................................................................170

Summary and Implications for Practice ...................................................... 171

References ........................................................................................................ 172

150  •  Dasaratha Rama

INTRODUCTION

is chapter presents the AT-EASE change management approach for

adaptive data governance. e term adaptive data governance is based on

the notion of adaptive challenges. In adaptive challenges, problem de-

nition, solution, and implementation of solutions are not clearly dened

at the outset and require new learning (Heifetz, Grashow, and Linsky,

2009a). Given the rapid changes in the technology and business envi-

ronment, as well as the continuously expanding knowledge base of data

governance standards and best practices, data governance requires an

adaptive process of ongoing learning and problem solving for leaders as

well as for employees. Further, data governance requires people to change

their values, beliefs, and behaviors related to data collection, protection,

and use. Accordingly, data governance requires a sustained commitment

to change management (Harris, 2011).

Recent change management approaches recognize that people do not

change based on logical analysis and facts alone, and that the way people

feel about the change aects the extent to which they embrace change.

Leaders should assess the emotional and behavioral factors that aect

people’s willingness to change, and take steps to guide and support them

through the change process over an extended period of time. Rather

than using a universal checklist, organizations need an intentional and

systematic process that can help them assess potential pitfalls in their

IT initiatives, and develop appropriate strategies for managing change

(McAfee,2003). Such a process can help organizations overcome pitfalls

and realize the value of data governance initiatives.

While many approaches incorporate ideas, such as emotion and motiva-

tion, the notion of at ease is the pivotal organizing idea for the AT-EASE

approach. e AT-EASE learning model provides a systemic model that

supports integration of technical and adaptive elements of data gover-

nance in a way that maintains a consistent focus on helping individuals

toward greater at ease as they move through the change process over time.

e AT-EASE model is based on the premise that feeling at ease supports

engagement and participation in learning and change (Ciborra, 2004;

Immordino-Yang and Damasio, 2007; Kahn, 1990; Porges, 2004; Schore,

2009). Based on an extensive review of recent neuroscience ndings, Rock

(2009) suggests that the brain’s over-arching principle in responding to