Explore the intricacies of process hierarchy in BPM, as discussed by our host, who navigates the balance between functional and end-to-end structures in client meetings.
A new LinkedIn newsletter of Caspar Jans was published on Feb 28, 2025 with the original title:
Process Hierarchy and Politics
Overview:
This newsletter highlights the significance of process hierarchy in business process management, emphasizing the need for both functional and end-to-end hierarchies. The challenges of assigning ownership in cross-functional processes are discussed, illustrating the complexity of managing business processes effectively.
Core content:
- The process hierarchy is essential for effective management, requiring both functional and end-to-end structures for business processes.
- A functional hierarchy decomposes processes by functional domains like Finance and HR, while an end-to-end hierarchy captures processes that span multiple functions.
- Assigning ownership to end-to-end processes can be politically challenging and should consider the process with the most influence over the overall execution.
- Different variations of processes across regions or products raise questions on how to differentiate within the process hierarchy.
- Conclusions from client meetings varied, showcasing the adaptability required in BPM, even when discussions share substantial common ground.
Learnings:
- Understand the dual hierarchical structures necessary for effective process management: functional and end-to-end.
- Learn how to navigate the complexities of process ownership, especially in cross-functional scenarios.
- Gain insights into addressing variations in business processes that arise due to different operational contexts.
- Recognize the importance of adaptability in discussions and conclusions regarding process hierarchy in business environments.
- Appreciate the ongoing learning from client interactions that shape a nuanced understanding of business process management.
The original content was published in English.
