Conceptual Framework of Data Governance and Data Organization in Higher Education: Application of the Structurational Model of Technology

The relationship between data governance and data organization is cyclical and mutually reinforcing. Data governance defines the frameworks, standards, and roles that shape how data should be organized, accessed, and used. These guidelines ensure that data is secure, consistent, and aligned with institutional goals. At the same time, the structure and management of data – the core of data organization – significantly influences governance. As institutions evolve, changes in how data is stored, shared, and analyzed often necessitate updates to governance policies. Well-aligned data governance not only standardizes data definitions and security measures but also breaks down silos and encourages cross-unit collaboration for the common institutional strategic goals. This dynamic interplay is particularly important in complex, decentralized environments like higher education. Adopting Anthony Giddens's Structuration Theory (Gidden, 1984) and Orlikowski's Structurational Model of Technology (Orlikowski, 1992, 2007), this study proposes a new theoretical framework – Structuration Data Governance Model – to analyze the interaction between data governance and data organization. It also suggests practical applications of the theory.