Data steward

Definition

A data steward is an individual responsible for managing and overseeing data assets to ensure their quality, integrity, and security. This role involves setting policies, maintaining compliance with regulations, and facilitating data access while protecting sensitive information. Data stewards play a vital role in the context of data security and privacy within human resource information systems (HRIS), ensuring that employee data is handled responsibly and in accordance with legal standards.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Data stewards help define data standards and practices that align with organizational policies, especially regarding sensitive employee information.
2. They play a crucial role in training staff on data handling practices and the importance of data privacy and security.
3. Data stewards often collaborate with IT departments to implement security measures that protect data from unauthorized access or breaches.
4. This role requires ongoing assessment of data quality and integrity, ensuring that any discrepancies are addressed promptly.
5. Effective data stewardship can significantly reduce risks associated with data breaches, which can lead to legal consequences and damage to an organization's reputation.

Review Questions

• How does the role of a data steward contribute to maintaining data security within HRIS?
  • A data steward contributes to maintaining data security within HRIS by establishing protocols for data management, ensuring that only authorized personnel have access to sensitive employee information. They work to create a culture of data protection by educating staff about best practices in handling personal information. Additionally, by monitoring compliance with legal requirements and organizational policies, data stewards help minimize the risk of data breaches and ensure that employee privacy is respected.
• Discuss the relationship between a data steward's responsibilities and the principles of data governance.
  • A data steward's responsibilities are closely aligned with the principles of data governance as they both focus on managing data as a valuable asset. Data stewards implement governance frameworks by defining policies and procedures that ensure the accuracy, consistency, and security of data. They are essential for enforcing compliance with regulations regarding data usage and protection, ultimately contributing to better decision-making processes and enhanced organizational performance.
• Evaluate the impact of effective data stewardship on an organization's overall approach to compliance and risk management.
  • Effective data stewardship significantly enhances an organization's approach to compliance and risk management by establishing robust frameworks for managing sensitive information. With a focus on quality control, proper access rights, and ongoing training for employees, organizations can mitigate risks associated with non-compliance. This proactive management fosters trust among stakeholders, reduces the likelihood of costly legal issues related to data breaches, and ensures that the organization is well-prepared to respond to regulatory changes in the landscape of data privacy.

Related terms

data governance: A framework that establishes the management, usage, and protection of data within an organization, ensuring data quality and compliance with policies.

data privacy:

The right of individuals to control how their personal information is collected, used, and shared, particularly in relation to sensitive employee data.

compliance officer: An individual responsible for ensuring that an organization adheres to legal standards and internal policies, particularly concerning data protection and privacy laws.