AIQ: What Data Organization & Ethics Means for You

Synaptiq has spent the last decade studying data and artificial intelligence (AI) across a wide range of industries. We’ve consulted with clients, conferred with partners, collaborated with competitors, and conducted research to understand how and why organizations leverage these technologies.

Our ultimate takeaway?

AIQ: a novel approach to data and AI, centered on 11 key capabilities shown to facilitate successful workflow integration and return on investment (ROI).

This blog post will deep-dive into one of the 11 capabilities: Data Organization & Ethics. We’ll discuss what it is, how it’s done (when it’s done right), and why it matters. Or, you can read an overview of AIQ, including all 11 capabilities, in our blog post, “AIQ: What We Mean & What You Stand to Gain.“

What is Data Organization & Ethics?

Data Organization & Ethics is the bedrock for the other ten AIQ capabilities.  It consists of everything in an organization that helps ensure data “flow” is organized to promote efficiency and prevent harm. This might include budget, formal structure, roles, systems, and processes, including training programs to educate all employees on the importance of data and, importantly, internal expectations for ethical data handling.

Data Organization & Ethics Done Right

Data Organization & Ethics requires at least one leader (preferably a c-level executive) with a clear vision for their organization’s data use. They should understand the ethical implications of data-powered applications and processes—and intentionally, frequently share their knowledge with other leaders. This communication ensures that an organization’s data use is anchored by good intentions with leadership support.

Data Organization & Ethics also demands that leadership define and apply its expectations for responsible, ethical data use in the form of budget, formal structure, roles, systems processes, etc. This ensures that all members of an organization are aware of the expectations and capable of carrying them out. Data Organization & Ethics-oriented performance management (e.g., in the form of training programs) is perhaps the most powerful tool for an organization to ensure that communication extends from leadership to team members.  This communication ensures that Data Organization & Ethics becomes “company culture.”

Why Data Organization & Ethics Matters

Data Organization & Ethics ensure (i) that an organization’s leaders have a vision for responsible, ethical data use and (ii) that this vision is communicated between leaders and, ultimately, throughout every level of the organization. Given the impact of data-powered applications and processes, organizations must understand the implications of their decision-making and implement strong ethics from the ground up.

With no Data Organization & Ethics, there is a tremendous amount of inefficiency and risk in a business. You can learn how Data Organization & Ethics fits into AIQ™ by reading our blog. Or, take our AIQ assessment to determine where your organization stands for each of the 11 capabilities.