What is a data-driven culture?

Sales dataCustomer feedbackOperational measurementsOther relevant data

Using information from these sources, or other similar sources, organizations can then make informed decisions on strategy, policies, and other important matters in a way that is logical and fact-based, rather than using assumptions or gut feelings.

Here are some of the essential features of a data-driven culture:

Accessible data

Companies that value data must make it accessible. This means all relevant parties should be able to examine relevant data and data sets. This includes employees, board members, stakeholders, managers, executives, and other key decision-makers.

Promoting data literacy

Data-driven cultures usually see organizations prioritizing data literacy. This is done by investing in training and development programs for personnel that help them to hone the skills needed to gather, analyze, interpret, and ultimately form conclusions from data.

Measuring performance via data

Organizations that can be considered data-driven often use data to track and gauge performance in any number of areas. This helps organizations to measure progress towards certain business goals and understand how their workforce is performing in both a micro and macro way.

Experimentation

The effective use of data can also promote organizations to try out different types of strategies, methods, and tools. This often leads to innovation and growth within an organization, and possibly an industry.