Data Literate Talent

Organisational success increasingly depends on data-driven decision-making, which is making data literate talent essential. However, building a data-literate workforce is challenging, as data literacy is complex, context-dependent, and varies across sectors. This study explores the challenges middle managers face in using data for decision-making within the Queensland energy sector, which relies heavily on data to improve data resources and operations. The results from interviews with 15 middle managers showed significant disparities in data literacy levels, ranging from minimal awareness to advanced competencies. Those with higher levels of data literacy recognize its importance in deriving actionable insights and making informed business decisions, relying on tools such as spreadsheets, Tableau, and Python to analyse and interpret data. Conversely, individuals with a limited understanding of data literacy often face challenges in leveraging data effectively, leading to inefficiencies and missed opportunities.