Transforming Corporate Culture for Data Privacy: Overcoming Obstacles and Gaining Support
Data protection and privacy are increasingly vital in both global businesses and government regulations. New laws and company policies frequently emerge to manage personal data collection and processing. One of the most rewarding achievements for a privacy professional is securing full buy-in and support from corporate management. Privacy Program Managers must emphasize the critical role of data privacy in business strategy, revenue, and trust-building with clients.
With management’s support, even the most well-designed Privacy Management Programs can thrive. Effective communication and implementation require a change management process that aligns with corporate culture, ensuring smooth transitions and addressing any potential resistance with ease.
Strategies for Overcoming Obstacles and Gaining Support
Here are some relevant tips on overcoming challenges and gaining buy-in for organizational change management initiatives related to data protection and privacy:
1. Internal Capacity Building
Educate and raise awareness among company leaders and among employees by conducting training sessions, workshops, and briefings. It would also be a good idea to send periodic company-wide knowledge-sharing emails containing infographics and digestible content related to the practice of data privacy.
2. Communicate the Business Value
Clearly demonstrate how data privacy compliance aligns with overall business strategy. The Data Protection Officer should collaborate with management to set OKRs (Objectives and Key Results) at the start of each review period, ensuring outcome-oriented objectives and measurable results.
- Highlight financial implications for non-compliance, including fines, audits by the National Privacy Commission, potential incarceration of officers, and loss of trust among clients and the public.
3. Form a Data Privacy Committee
Complex organizations might appoint Compliance Officers for Privacy (COPs) to represent business units and aid the DPO in driving data privacy compliance. This promotes accountability and support. Additionally, the DPO can form a Data Breach Response Team comprising IT Security, Public Relations, Human Resources, and Legal, with executive leadership backing. Ensure job descriptions are executed and appointees acknowledge their roles with sign-offs.
4. Leverage Influencers
Identify and build strong relationships with influential employees and leaders who can help you champion your cause within the organization.
5. Develop a Clear Roadmap
Establish an annual Privacy Management Program and track progress. In order not to overwhelm internal stakeholders, it may be beneficial to rollout data privacy initiatives into phases, focusing energy on most critical data processing systems that have the greatest impact to risk management.
6. Recognize and Reward Compliance
Initiating a recognition and rewards program such as Privacy Advocate of the Quarter and making them vie for Privacy Advocate of the Year can help foster a privacy-first culture. The winners may receive digital rewards or other tangible items.
7. Maintain Open Feedback Loops
Seek feedback from employees and the Privacy Steering Committee to identify improvement areas. Compliance Officers for Privacy can offer valuable suggestions to enhance your Privacy Management Program. Create an online chat group with the Steering Committee for streamlined communication, meeting as needed to address concerns. Be ready to adjust your roadmap based on suggestions and evolving circumstances and regulations.
These are some key recommendations to enable businesses to support the National Privacy Commission’s mandate in upholding the rights and freedoms of data subjects one step at a time.
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