Data Quality in Public Administration: Governance, Processes, and Outcomes

Abstract

Public administration relies on high-quality data for policy development, service delivery, regulatory oversight, and accountability. However, government agencies face persistent data quality challenges that compromise their effectiveness and erode public trust. This review examines data quality in public administration, analyzing the unique challenges of government data, the governance structures that support or undermine quality, and the processes that determine quality outcomes. Drawing on literature from public administration, information systems, and government studies, we examine evidence on data quality in government settings, including studies from multiple countries and levels of government. We analyze the causes of quality problems, including organizational factors, process weaknesses, and resource constraints. We examine solutions that have been implemented, including governance reforms, capacity building, and technology investments. We propose a framework for public sector data quality management that addresses the specific characteristics of government contexts, including accountability requirements, public trust considerations, and resource constraints.