Workarounds as a driver for process innovation
As targeted deviations from standard procedures, workarounds enable employees to overcome hurdles and increase their general productivity. Although their use is widespread in companies, many aspects have been little researched to date. In a new study, researchers at Paderborn University are now investigating the extent to which workarounds can innovate processes and thus help companies remain competitive.
"Workarounds often arise when there is a poor match between the task and the technology to be used. They help employees to work effectively despite these discrepancies,’ explains Prof Dr Daniel Beverungen from Paderborn University. Together with Dr Christian Bartelheimer, both from the Faculty of Business Administration and Economics, he is investigating the role of workarounds in business processes. Bartelheimer comments: ‘While business process management (BPM) has traditionally focussed on the design of efficient business processes, the importance of workarounds has long been neglected. Alongside us in business informatics, organisational researchers are also beginning to analyse the complex interaction between workarounds and information technologies. By integrating both perspectives at the Wissenschaftskolleg, we can use workarounds to investigate the inner workings of process variations and thus understand the dynamics of constantly changing business processes in organisations. The constant adaptation of processes to changing customer needs and environmental factors plays a central role in all business organisations, as this ensures long-term competitiveness.
Case study to deliver meaningful results
The researchers are conducting case studies to identify different types of workarounds and their causes. In doing so, they examine both the positive and negative effects on process quality, compliance with regulations and the organisations' ability to innovate. Among other things, they conduct interviews with employees involved in various business processes. The team also analysed organisational documents such as process models, work instructions and emails. ‘The results provide valuable insights into the day-to-day challenges and creative solutions of employees,’ says Beverungen.
"Workarounds represent both risks and opportunities for companies. On the negative side, they can lead to a loss of control, lower process quality and sometimes even legal problems. On the positive side, they promote creativity and innovation by enabling employees to react flexibly to unexpected challenges,’ adds Bartelheimer.
Innovation potential through workarounds
According to the researchers, companies could benefit from a structured approach that systematically utilises workarounds to improve business processes. This could lead to more flexible adaptation to new technologies and changing market conditions.
The research project will be funded from October as part of the Paderborn University's Research Training Group. Prof Dr Brian Pentland from Michigan State University, USA, and Prof Dr Iris Beerepoot from Utrecht University, Netherlands, will also be involved.
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