UNDERMINE TRANSFORMERS DRIVERS

This is obviously a set of generalisations that smooth over the considerable diversity across organisations, sectors, and digital/data aspirations. These types of frames can make it easier to identify patterns and better understand our own work. Focusing on data transformation before digital transformation can undermine the sustainability of that work, and will also decrease the chances that data insights will be put to use in advocacy or operations.And if the distinction isn’t clear, that can be hard to avoid. Taking on both data and digital transformation processes at the same time can be a recipe for disaster for an organisation.Recognising how these transformations work makes it easier for organisations and funders to be patient, think long-term, and invest in core data and technology capacities.Why does distinguishing between all of these things matter? clear folder directories, and other backbones of sorting information consistently), retention policies (when to delete old information), back-up strategies, archives, and responsible data practices. Information management practices include: fit-to-purpose technology infrastructure for managing information, consistent file-naming conventions, information architecture (i.e. What is information management? I define it as the process of controlling the information your organisation collects, stores, and protects, so it is accessible and searchable for those who need to use it. Information management is the key benchmark between digital and data transformation.Digital transformation can lead to huge gains in operational efficiency, outreach, and community engagement, but without data transformation, there is no way to know if that is the case because there is no evidence to track or analyse these successes.Digital transformation does not guarantee data transformation however.Data transformation cannot take place without digital transformation.How are digital and data transformation connected? It is about using structured processes to understand your organisation and your cause. It is about internal and external communication infrastructure.ĭata transformation is the organisation-wide process of focusing, organising, and operationalising consistent collection and use of data that can inform action and assess impact. Transformation happens when buy-in, strategy, and resources align to trigger big shifts in thinking, planning, and doing.ĭigital transformation is an organisation-wide capacity to use hardware, software, and online infrastructure to successfully streamline operations and grow engagement with new audiences. Organisational transformation is a large overhaul in the way that a team works. But what do I mean by transformation? I wanted to quickly write up how I define three concepts of transformation, the connections I see between the three, and explain why I think the difference matters. In our work we focus not just on project-level data and technology wins, but on the transformation of organisations we work with.

UNDERMINE TRANSFORMERS DRIVERS

And that does not happen without fundamental transformation of the organisations who are the primary drivers of that change. But using technology and data for social change often requires large, sustained investments of focus and resources to result in lasting change. Sometimes this is true in serendipitous alignments – like Ice Bucket Challenges, effective Twitter coordination in times of crisis and the like. That said, I often encounter projects and worldviews that imply that, like a bullet, technology can be put to use in short bursts and to great effect. Few people still argue that technology acting alone can solve social problems. Thankfully, there has been considerable pushback on the thinking of technology as a silver bullet. (Though it can be very funny.) But sometimes oversimplification and conflation of terms can undermine strategic capacity to think critically about the role of data and technology. In the technology for social change community, new language and buzzwords come and go.

Undermine transformers