What does 'data governance' primarily focus on?

Data governance primarily focuses on establishing data quality management and policies, which are essential for maintaining the integrity, usability, and security of data within an organization. It encompasses a range of practices that ensure data is consistently accurate, accessible, and protected, while also defining the standards and procedures for data management throughout its lifecycle. This involves developing clear policies regarding data access, data stewardship, data ownership, and compliance with regulations—all of which are critical in managing risks and ensuring that data is a valuable asset for decision-making.

While other options touch on relevant aspects of data management, they do not encapsulate the primary objective of data governance as effectively. For instance, maximizing data storage efficiency might be a concern within IT infrastructure but does not address the broader strategic policies and quality controls that data governance entails. Similarly, reducing costs associated with data acquisition and creating marketing strategies, although important, are not the central focus of data governance, which prioritizes the quality and management of data itself.