Four Change Management Trends for CDAOs

Change management has emerged as a critical theme within Evanta’s C-level communities this year, with Chief Data and Analytics Officers (CDAOs) expressing how they play a particularly prominent role. As organizations aim to become more data-driven, CDAOs are tasked not only with addressing technical aspects of digital transformation but also with spearheading cultural shifts across the enterprise.

This is further supported by Gartner’s Field Guide for Leading Data-Driven Change Management, which states, “Chief data and analytics officers play a critical role in driving and overseeing major business changes to deliver enterprise value. Clear, actionable change-management plans are essential for both proactive and reactive data-driven change.”

In our recent Community Pulse Survey, we asked 800 C-level executives to share their approaches to change management. Here, we delve into the responses from CDAOs, highlighting key trends from the results.
 

1. AI, Data Governance, and Digital Transformation are Driving Change Management 

Nearly 80% of CDAOs report that their organizations are actively engaged in change management initiatives, with an additional 9% indicating plans to do so in the future.

When asked about the primary drivers of these change management efforts, CDAOs identified the following focus areas:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Automation: AI was the most frequently mentioned topic, with significant emphasis on adopting AI technologies and integrating automation into business processes. This aligns with responses from our survey on AI adoption, where CDAOs highlighted their crucial role in preparing their organizations for AI. Notably, 84% of CDAOs reported having already embarked on their AI journey, which includes developing use cases, piloting projects, or achieving measurable results.
• Data Governance and Management: Initiatives related to improving data governance, data management, and ensuring data reliability were prominent. CDAOs underscore the importance of effective data management to improve decision-making capabilities across their organizations.
• Digital and Technology Transformation: Many organizations are undergoing comprehensive digital transformations, which include updating technology platforms and processes. As one CDAO commented, "We’re undergoing wider technology transformation across case management systems, people platform, CRM, and procurement platform."
  
  

2. CDAOs are Leading Communication Efforts and Providing Strategic Direction

CDAOs are pivotal to their organizations' change management initiatives, with 70% reporting that they oversee communication, engage with stakeholders, and provide strategic direction. Only 7% indicated minimal involvement in these efforts.

It is encouraging to observe that 93% of CDAOs within Evanta communities say they have an active role in change management initiatives, with communication as a primary focus. According to Gartner, “CDAOs who effectively employ change management and communication techniques wield more influence and impact with their data and analytics strategies than those who do not.” 

3. Executive Support is a Top Challenge

When asked about the obstacles they face in implementing change management initiatives, CDAOs were candid in their responses. Many identified a lack of executive support or sponsorship as a significant barrier, noting that leadership often does not fully engage with or prioritize change management. Other common challenges include insufficient resources and funding, cultural resistance, and competing priorities. Here are some of their comments:

4. CDAOs are Tackling Change Fatigue

As businesses undergo constant change, CDAOs are acutely aware of change fatigue among the workforce and are actively working to address it. While many acknowledge the challenges involved, CDAOs generally expressed more optimism about this issue compared to other C-suite survey respondents, and they shared a range of strategies to combat change fatigue, emphasizing the importance of communication, effective resource management, and celebrating achievements. Here are some of their insights:

A dedicated effort has been made to engage key stakeholders at the senior management level, which is good for the purpose of securing support for our global initiative.”

Change only when necessary. When necessary, engage employees and communicate honestly on the progress being made. It is important to maintain authenticity with business teams.”

Communicate and crowd source ideas and support. That creates ownership and excitement for most team members.”

We prioritize clear communication, provide continuous support and training, involve employees in the change process, recognize and celebrate small wins, and ensure adequate rest periods between major initiatives.”

I don't call it change management, that does not enroll anyone. It’s too vague. You need to set an inspiring vision, engage others and drive forward.”

Despite facing numerous challenges, 87% of CDAOs express either "somewhat confident" or "very confident" attitudes toward their change management capabilities, and they remain proactive in fostering a resilient culture of change within their organizations. As the new year approaches, CDAOs' continued focus on effective change management will be crucial as they strive to harness the full potential of data and analytics in an ever-evolving business landscape.

For the complete results of our Community Pulse Survey on Change Management, check out the infographic.

If you are a data leader navigating change management, join a local Evanta community to engage with your peers on this topic. Or, if you are already a community member, check out MyEvanta to view upcoming opportunities to discuss change management in person or virtually with your peers.