Operationalizing Data Stewardship in South African Engineering Firms: Challenges and Best Practices

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Bessie Nonhlanhla Mnguni, Innocent Musonda and Adetayo Onososen

https://doi.org/10.64755/YVHY9128

Keywords: Data Stewardship, Data Governance, Engineering Organizations, South Africa, Data Quality

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ABSTRACT

PURPOSE

This paper investigates how data stewardship is conceptualized and implemented across engineering organizations in Gauteng Province, South Africa. It seeks to understand the extent to which the role is defined, supported, and integrated into broader data governance frameworks.

DESIGN / METHODOLOGY / APPROACH

This study used a quantitative, explanatory design. Data were gathered via a structured Likert-scale questionnaire from 200 professionals in five engineering organizations. A pilot test confirmed reliability, and analysis was conducted using Python to identify trends in data governance and stewardship practices.

FINDINGS

The study highlights a lack of clarity and consistency in data stewardship roles within engineering organizations. While 68.5% receive regular updates and 59% report having dedicated governance teams, critical gaps persist, only 24.5% are incentivized for compliance, and 40.5% report clear consequences for non-compliance. Uncertainty around governance assessments (31.5%) and principal integration (28%) further indicates that stewardship is not yet fully embedded in operational practices, limiting its effectiveness in ensuring data quality and accountability.

RESEARCH LIMITATIONS / IMPLICATIONS

The study’s limited scope to Engineering organisations in Gauteng may affect generalizability, highlighting the need for broader, cross-sector research on the impact of formalized data stewardship.

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS

The paper recommends the formalization of stewardship roles, improved organizational support, and alignment with both local and international governance frameworks to elevate data stewardship as a strategic capability in engineering organsations.

WHAT IS THE ORIGINAL / VALUE

This study offers a grounded assessment of the stewardship maturity gap within South African engineering and practical steps for strengthening data governance structures.