datakällorrowning

Datakällorrowing refers to the practice of acquiring or utilizing data from sources that are not officially sanctioned or recognized by an organization. This can encompass a wide range of activities, from employees independently sourcing information from the internet or external databases for work-related tasks, to shadow IT systems collecting data outside of established IT governance. The term "borrowing" implies that the data is being accessed without explicit permission or formal integration into approved data management workflows.

The motivations behind datakällorrowing can vary. Employees may resort to it when official data sources are perceived as inadequate, inaccessible, or too slow to obtain. They might seek to expedite projects, gain a competitive edge, or simply fulfill their immediate information needs. In some cases, it may stem from a lack of awareness regarding data policies or the availability of authorized alternatives.

While datakällorrowing can sometimes lead to innovation or efficiency gains in the short term, it carries significant risks. These include data security vulnerabilities, as unauthorized sources may not adhere to organizational security standards, leading to potential breaches. Data quality issues can arise from the use of unreliable or unverified sources. Furthermore, it can create compliance challenges, especially concerning data privacy regulations like GDPR, and can lead to fragmented or inconsistent data, hindering accurate analysis and decision-making. Organizations often address datakällorrowing through robust data governance policies, employee training, and by ensuring that official data channels are user-friendly and meet business needs effectively.