Core catalyst conditions influencing dark data emergence: a grounded theory approach / Ahmad Fuzi Md Ajis, Faten Elina Kamaruddin, Fatin Nabihah Mohd Taha and Zati Atiqah Mohamad Tanuri

Most of the literature highlighted dark data research from the perspective of academic research institutions and large business firms, and none 111as found to be about Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). The impact of dark data is the risk that could harm the business enterprise. The dark data residing 111ithin the enterprise repository could disturb legal compliance 111ith data management regulations and legislation. Therefore, grounded theory research ivas conducted to investigate the dark data phenomenon to111ards SMEs in Malaysia. The primary goal of this study is to discover hoiv organi::,ations prepare themselves for dark data caretaking. By using the Grounded Theory Methodology (GTM), 18 SMEs ivere selected and sampled through snoivballing and theoretical sampling procedures. The study found that business oivners prepare their organi::,ation to deal ivith dark data by enabling data caretaking ivhich is comprised of a feiv core catalyst conditions consisting of leveraging technology, upskilling, security and controlling. Although the enabling caretaking effort facilitates the data caretaking activities simultaneously it influences the occurrences of data crisis.
Keywords: Dark Data, Core Catalyst, Leveraging Technology, Upskilling, Security Controlling