From data to results

The core of DIKAR

Data → Information → Knowledge → Action → Result

What is the DIKAR Framework?

The DIKAR Framework is an interdisciplinary framework for data-driven organisational development and information management. It describes how data is systematically transformed into action, results and value.

The framework provides a common structure and shared language that enables organisations to:

• ensure data and information quality

• build knowledge

• make informed decisions

• turn insights into action

• achieve measurable results

• continuously improve the information process (iterative approach)

Why DIKAR?

Information management is no longer only about compliance or long-term preservation.

It is about creating results and value.

To succeed, organisations need:

• high-quality data

• usable information

• shared and understood knowledge

• decisions that lead to action

• actions that lead to results

The DIKAR Framework connects this entire chain and enables continuous improvement through an iterative workflow.

How does it work?

DIKAR is based on a simple logic.

DIKAR stands for Data, Information, Knowledge, Action and Result.

The quality of your results depends on your actions.  

The quality of your actions depends on your knowledge.  

The quality of your knowledge depends on your information.  

The quality of your information depends on your data.

If one part breaks, the whole chain breaks.

The DIKAR approach is iterative – each result generates new data that drives the next step.

A shared language across the organisation

Achieving results requires collaboration across multiple disciplines, including:

• IT and system development

• records and information management

• information architecture

• analytics and business development

• security and governance

The DIKAR Framework provides a common structure that aligns these perspectives and enables effective collaboration.

A systems perspective – the organisation as a whole

A data-driven organisation requires cross-disciplinary collaboration.

Just like a house, where electricity, water and ventilation must be coordinated to function as a whole, a data-driven organisation must also be coordinated into a coherent and functioning system.

This is where the DIKAR Framework comes in.

From structure to results

By applying DIKAR, organisations can:

• create structure in information management

• clarify roles and responsibilities

• ensure data quality

• connect analysis to decisions

• turn decisions into action

• achieve measurable results

Practical and implementable

The DIKAR Framework is designed for practical implementation.

It integrates:

• data quality and provenance

• long-term preservation and authenticity

• analysis, decision-making and results

Through coordinated alignment of:

• strategy (goals and desired outcomes)

• infrastructure (systems, standards, models and metadata)

• operational processes (e.g. data collection, classification)

a stable foundation for data-driven development is established.

Try DIKAR in your organisation

Start simple:

1. Choose one process, decision or problem

2. Map it using DIKAR

3. Identify where it breaks

4. Fix one thing and follow up the result

Development and use

The DIKAR Framework is continuously evolving and is being used in a growing number of organisations.
Feel free to share how DIKAR is applied in practice.

Scientific foundation and practical application

The DIKAR Framework builds on:

• the DIKW model (knowledge pyramid)

• the DIKAR model (Ward & Peppard, based on N. Venkatraman)

• information and knowledge theory

It connects related disciplines such as:

• information systems

• archival science

• information science

• knowledge management

• organisational theory

The result is a coherent framework for data-driven public sector development and information management.