Data Builds Knowledge
“Customers(citizens) don’t measure how hard you tried; they measure you on what you deliver.”-Steve Jobs
Data builds Knowledge. Good data provides indisputable evidence, preventing institutions and governments from acting based on an incorrect conclusion. By connecting public and private data systems in a responsible data framework, informed decision making can directly affect the lives of people.
Effective quality data collecting and monitoring allows organizations to be proactive rather than reactive and enables the coordinated efforts to maintain best practices of data collection and use over time. This helps organizations respond to challenges before they become full-blown crisis. Data allows organizations to determine the cause of problems more effectively. Data allows both public and private entities to visualize relationships between what is happening in different locations, departments, and systems and implement effective solutions by way of data dashboards that are coordinated and share strategic data across individual entities. When such strategies are put into place to overcome a challenge, and then data is continued to be collected to determine how well such solutions are performing, solutions can be modified or changed over the long-term.
Data is a key component of systems advocacy. Utilizing data aid organizations in presenting a strong argument for systems change. Whether advocating for increased funding from public or private sources, or making the case for changes in regulation, illustrating arguments through the use of data will allow strengthening the case.
Data can help reduce bias, prejudice, and helps prevent polarization by providing objective and evidence-based information that challenges preconceived notions. It promotes fact-based decision-making, uncovering patterns and trends that challenge biased assumptions. By highlighting disparities, fostering diversity, and promoting dialogue, data contributes to a more nuanced understanding, bridging gaps between perspectives and promoting inclusivity
Data increases efficiency. Effective data collection and analysis allow the application of scarce resources where they are most needed. For example, if there is a staffing issue, data can help resources to be deployed precisely where they are needed, as opposed to system wide. Data will also support organizations to determine which areas should take priority over others. For example, data allows entities to replicate areas of strength across their organization and study them in order to develop strategies to strengthen programs, service areas or workers that are under-performing.
Collecting data allows organizations, individually and collectively, to set goals for performance and celebrate successes when they are achieved.
Finally, and importantly, funding is becoming increasingly “outcome and data-driven”. This shift from funding that is based on services provided to funding that is based on outcomes achieved, and is critical for organizations to implement evidence-based practices and develop systems to collect and analyze data.
