What does the principle of data stewardship entail?

The principle of data stewardship fundamentally revolves around the responsibility for the management and oversight of data assets within an organization. It emphasizes the accountability for maintaining the quality, integrity, and fitness of data as a valuable corporate resource. This involves ensuring that data is accurate, accessible, and used appropriately, thus making it a strategic asset rather than just a byproduct of business processes.

In this context, data stewards are tasked with the ongoing maintenance and governance of data, which includes establishing policies and procedures to ensure that data management practices align with the organization's overall objectives. This stewardship is crucial for supporting decision-making and compliance with regulations, making it an essential aspect of effective data management.

Other choices, while related to data management, do not capture the full essence of data stewardship. Maximizing data access focuses solely on accessibility without directly addressing accountability or quality. Reducing costs associated with data storage pertains more to operational efficiencies rather than stewardship principles. Lastly, eliminating unused data regularly may be a good practice, but it does not encompass the broader responsibilities for data accountability and quality that are central to the concept of stewardship.