Paper short abstract:

When working with data science and AI, data negotiation is crucial. Professionals must build trust, consider concerns, and navigate regulations when transferring and working with data. Understanding these principles is vital for data workers across various fields.

Paper long abstract:

When working with data science and AI, data is a crucial resource. It is necessary to demonstrate robust results, and there is competition in both academia and industry to obtain the most and best data as quickly as possible. Negotiating the supply of data is critical to the practice of data science.

This study investigates data negotiation through the lens of 'data diplomacy'. We conducted interviews with professionals from various organizations who work with data to explore this concept. Diplomacy refers to the practice of building relationships between organizations or within an organization, with data as the central resource.

Initial findings indicate that certain data negotiation skills share similarities with traditional diplomatic virtues. It is important to establish trust and consider the concerns and feelings of other parties when transferring data. Additionally, those who possess data express concerns about potential misuse and misinterpretation. It is worth noting that strict regulations within an organization can lead to tension and improper data handling.

The ability to understand and apply these principles is a crucial skill for data workers, as data plays an increasingly central role in a wide range of fields, from industry to government.