Organizational Factors Influencing Data Quality in Humanitarian Responses: A Case of World Vision Refugee Response in Uganda

Abstract

This study tackles ongoing challenges related to data quality in humanitarian responses, which is vital for effective service delivery and accountability despite significant investments in information systems. It examines how organizational factors, such as leadership, financial considerations, and staff skills, affect data quality, using World Vision Uganda's Refugee Response as a case study. The objectives were to evaluate managerial practices, analyze financial influences, and assess staff qualifications' roles in data quality. Guided by a pragmatic philosophy, the research used a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative surveys with qualitative interviews, based on Data Governance and Information Theories. Covering responses from 155 staff and volunteers across 10 field offices in West Nile and Southwestern Uganda, plus 14 senior informants, the study explored how leadership, funding, and workforce capacity are interconnected. Results reveal that strong leadership and clear governance are most closely associated with improvements in data accuracy, completeness, reliability, and timeliness. Financial constraints were widespread but did not directly affect data quality; instead, they impacted outcomes through their influence on systems and adaptive practices. The importance of technical skills was also highlighted, with substantial improvements mainly when adequate leadership and systemic support were present. The study confirms that structured leadership, clear policies, and integrated data systems are essential for high data quality, aligning with current theoretical frameworks. Recommendations for policy and practice focus on continuous investment in leadership, targeted skill development, and organizational reform. These findings are especially relevant for humanitarian professionals, policymakers, M&E specialists, and scholars committed to evidence-based practices in crisis settings.