Database administrators and data analysts are at odds over data governance. How can you resolve their clash?
Effective data governance requires collaboration between database administrators (DBAs) and data analysts. Here’s how to foster teamwork:
What strategies have worked for you in resolving team conflicts?
Database administrators and data analysts are at odds over data governance. How can you resolve their clash?
Effective data governance requires collaboration between database administrators (DBAs) and data analysts. Here’s how to foster teamwork:
What strategies have worked for you in resolving team conflicts?
-
To resolve the clash consider the following approaches: - Clear Communication: Foster open discussions to align both teams' objectives DBAs prioritize security, while analysts focus on accessibility and flexibility. - Collaborative Policies: Develop data governance frameworks that balance data protection with ease of access for analysis. - Role-Based Access Control: Implement granular permissions to secure sensitive data while allowing analysts to work with the necessary datasets. - Regular Syncs: Hold cross-functional meetings to address concerns, review policies, and ensure ongoing alignment. - Shared Objectives: Emphasize the common goal of enabling data-driven decision-making securely.
-
Approval Workflow: Implement an approval workflow for data access requests, especially for sensitive data. This ensures that analysts have proper access to data they need while keeping it secure. It also provides administrators with oversight, reducing their concerns over data misuse.
-
Disagreements between database administrators (DBAs) and data analysts about data governance can hinder data-driven initiatives ... Encourage collaborative communication: Encourage open and frequent communication between DBAs and data analysts to understand their respective perspectives and concerns. Implement a common data governance framework: Create a clear and well-defined data governance framework that addresses the concerns of both groups. Consider using modern data platforms with integrated data governance capabilities, such as Databricks, to streamline processes. Focus on common goals: Emphasize the common goal of improving data quality, security and accessibility for the benefit of the entire organization.
-
In my previous role, DBAs and data analysts clashed over data access: analysts needed live data for timely insights, but DBAs feared security and performance risks. Finally a solution is proposed: DBAs created a replica of the production database that analysts could query without impacting live data. Both teams collaborated to set access rules, defining who could access what, and ensuring sensitive data remained protected. Analysts used tools like Power BI to access data independently, reducing their reliance on DBAs. With these changes, DBAs maintained secure control, analysts got timely access, and both teams became collaborative allies.
-
Incorporating this approval process into a Data Governance Framework minimizes conflicts and ensures effective data access management: Approval Process : Request Raised by Data Analyst The analyst submits a request via a system, detailing the purpose and scope of access. Approval by Data Owner The data owner evaluates the request based on sensitivity, compliance, and business needs, approving or rejecting it accordingly. Access Granted by DBA The DBA enforces approved access controls, ensuring compliance and reducing risks. This structured approach promotes transparency, accountability, and secure data handling.
Rate this article
More relevant reading
-
Data ManagementYou're juggling multiple tasks as a data manager. How can you handle interruptions and maintain productivity?
-
Data AnalyticsWhat do you do if your data analysts are struggling to distribute workload fairly?
-
Data ManagementHow can you build a professional relationship with a Data Management professional in a different time zone?
-
Data ManagementYour data management team is in a bind. What’s the best way to resolve their conflicts?