We identify Key success factors of an Information Governance implementation. 

As with any emerging discipline, there will always be the potential for projects to falter, or to start off in one direction, and end up producing something completely different than initially intended.  This is the first in a series of articles which provides guidance regarding things to look out for, and some steps to reduce the possibility of the information governance programme fizzling out.

As the discipline or field of Information Governance starts to take shape, it is natural that different stakeholders will apply their own interpretation and emphasis to an IG programme.  This brings the risk that it does not follow a holistic approach, and different elements of governance end up in conflict.  This article positions the components that should be included in an enterprise approach to Information Governance.  Please note that this is not in any specific sequence, and it must be stressed that all of the various aspects considered should be given equal emphasis.

Information Governance is not limited to Compliance. 

In order to avoid misunderstanding, the title of this post requires some clarity.   Governance is critical, and we believe this wholeheartedly. The issue under consideration is how a governance initiative is adopted and implemented.   Governance, and by its very nature, Information Governance, stands the risk that it is seen as another overhead, an expensive exercise with little value.   If the executive team, and possibly more importantly, the staff, do not understand and buy-in to the benefits, it is likely to be approached half-heartedly, and the bare minimum, regulatory requirements will be implemented.

Applying Information Governance to Social Media

It almost sounds like a contradiction in terms.  Social media and Information Governance in the same sentence doesn’t quite work, and sounds like a “lawyer meets marketer in a bar” joke.  The reality is far from a joke though, and the very nature of social media, and the ability for blogs, tweets and shares to go viral, means that we must be extra vigilant in our creation and publication of this “new” media.  This article draws heavily on records management practices and uses the ARMA Generally Accepted Recordkeeping Principles as a basis for developing a social media governance framework.

One of the key challenges with adopting a holistic approach to information governance is that the information is stored in multiple formats, in many locations, and managed by many people with different responsibilities.  This article looks at a few of these different perspectives and identifies an approach to gaining control.