Data Literacy Framework by Level
What an executive needs to know about data isn't what an analyst needs. This framework defines the 4 core competencies — reading, working with, analyzing, and arguing with data — across 3 organizational levels.
What's included
- The 4 core competencies (reading, working with, analyzing, arguing with data) defined in detail
- Expectations matrix by role: what an executive, a manager, and an analyst should each be able to do in every competency
- Concrete examples of observable behavior by level (not just theory)
- Legal Notice
Why this document exists
88% of enterprise leaders already consider basic data literacy essential for day-to-day work, but only 35% have a mature program to build it — the most common gap is treating data literacy as one-size-fits-all, when what an executive needs (interpreting and questioning) isn't what an analyst needs (cleaning and analyzing). This framework resolves that confusion before designing any training.
Frequently asked questions
What is this framework based on?
On the 4 data literacy competencies described by D'Ignazio and Bhargava (reading, working with, analyzing, and arguing with data), adapted to 3 organizational levels: executive, manager, and analyst.
Does this replace a full training program?
No. It's the reference document that defines what each role should know — the starting point for designing training, not the training itself.
Does this replace legal advice?
No. It's a working template, but it doesn't constitute professional HR advice and does not guarantee training outcomes — see the included Legal Notice.
What format is it delivered in?
Word with the full framework by role and level, plus the Legal Notice.