Information Governance, 2nd Edition

CHAPTER 7Information Governance for Business Units

When looking at the Information Governance Reference Model (previously presented), note that there are five key areas of impact: business units, legal, records and information management (RIM), information technology (IT), and privacy and security. In this section of the book we cover how each of these major areas is impacted by, and participates in, an IG program.

Business units generate profit, and this is where IG programs can have their greatest impact. Rather than focusing on “soft cost” justifications such as productivity increases or process improvements, hard-dollar savings and revenue generation can be achieved through successful IG programs targeted in business units.

Supporting functions, including legal, RIM, IT, and privacy and security must work in a cross-functional, collaborative way to reduce information risks and costs, leverage information as an asset, and support business units to increase profitability.

Start with Business Objective Alignment

IG program planning begins with developing business objectives for the program itself. Those business objectives must be aligned with and support the accomplishment of overall organizational business objectives. This alignment is key to winning executive support and funding for an IG program. If executives can see a clearly aligned path and that the IG program is synchronized with other organizational initiatives, then they are more likely to back the IG program. ...