CHALLENGES

FACED WITH ADOPTING A PROCESS FRAMEWORK

Although the benefits of process frameworks are numerous, they are not
without their challenges. Most frameworks require some modifications to
account for differences in activities specific to an organization. Moreover,
since not everyone is accustomed to thinking in process terms, adopting a
framework requires shifting how people think in order to overcome
challenges in organizational alignment, governance, and implementation.

In May 2023, APQC conducted the Best Practices in Process Frameworks

survey to learn how organizations are leveraging process frameworks. This
infographic focuses on the common framework challenges faced by many
organizations.

What are the The most common framework

Common Implementation implementation challenges tend to fall under

two interrelated categories: buy-in and

Challenges?
alignment with organizational value-drivers.

64% 62%
Buy-in and Alignment and
Engagement Purpose

Without internal communication and buy-in
from the top and bottom, process work will
likely yield unsustainable efforts and
ultimately not improve the organizations'
process improvement culture. Although
frameworks might not produce a tangible
product or service, they still require
investment and continual engagement.
Without a clear purpose for implementing a process
framework, organizations struggle to connect process
efforts to the enterprise-wide goals. This not only makes
it difficult to communicate the value, but also risks
organizational resistance. Furthermore, organizations
that lack pre-established goals yet proceed with the
tactical aspects of process improvement—such as
process mapping—risk wasting time and resources by
mapping processes that aren’t valuable.

Insufficient

59 % communication between
internal stakeholders 65% Operational silos

Lack of incentives Lack of knowledge

52% for participating in

process work 57% management on the
part of stakeholders

Organization’s lack of

47 % Employee resistance
55 % pre-established goals for
process management efforts

Tips for Improvement

OUTLINE WHY IT’S IMPORTANT
To gain support from leaders, organizations should start by outlining
why implementing a process framework is needed and should
illustrate how it supports organizational goals.
Be sure to illustrate not only why it’s important to the organization,
but why the framework or process work is important to the
individual – give them the WIIFM (what’s in it for me).

REVEAL THE VALUE DRIVERS

Conduct a current state assessment by baselining current capabilities
and processes so that resources aren’t wasted and improvement
efforts are prioritized.

KEEP THE END STATE IN MIND

This will help to stay focused on the value the process efforts and will
help combine phase-specific and enterprise-wide goals.

UNDERSTAND THE ENTERPRISE-WIDE IMPACT

Identify who will be impacted by the changes, how it will change
the way they conduct work, and what value it will add to their jobs.

For more information on the topic, check out the

Best Practices in Applying Process Frameworks 2023: Survey Report
and the How to Apply Process Frameworks collection.