What is the purpose of data governance?

The purpose of data governance is to manage the availability, usability, integrity, and security of data within an organization. This involves creating a framework or set of practices that ensure data is handled consistently and responsibly throughout its lifecycle. Well-implemented data governance helps organizations maintain high-quality data, comply with regulations, protect sensitive information, and promote a culture of data-driven decision-making.

By focusing on these key areas, data governance ensures that the right people have access to the right data when they need it, while also safeguarding against risks related to data misuse or inaccuracies. It facilitates collaboration among different stakeholders, including data owners, stewards, and users, to address issues such as data quality and data management policies.

While the other choices mention aspects related to data, they do not encompass the comprehensive aims and functions of data governance. For instance, enhancing aesthetic appeal, performing statistical tests, and automating data collection are important activities but do not reflect the overarching responsibility of managing data governance within an organization.