Integration and Processes: A Marriage Made in Hell

Abstract

I noted in the Introduction to this book the temptation experienced by companies that feel they have lost control to regain that control by introducing processes of all kinds. These processes are supposed to guarantee not only that everything is being done the same way everywhere, but also that everything is done as it should be. I pointed out that this response was reminiscent of administrative thinking, the outcomes of which are open to question. I will try now to go further and show that not only does this not work, but that it actually breeds confusion and, to use the companies’ own language, it destroys more value than it creates.