Process, Part II

I'm not a big fan of process-based approaches to work, as several of my published articles will attest. 

But I'm not against process entirely. I'm just against the tendency to overapply and overvalue a process-based worldview.

The problem with process advocates is not that they seek to control, predict and optimize. It's that they can't stop. They take something that has a limited use and benefit, and set it loose to gobble up the entire world. They end up creating a monster of stunted growth and apathy, not to mention poor outcomes. Should we judge a process by the good it is supposed to do, or by the evit it actually does?

Process advocates may object that their scientific theory and mathematical calculations indicate that Process Enterprises are full of freedeom, creativity and personal empowerment, along with increased efficiencies. They do indeed point out that the boundaries they draw are quite roomy, spacious even. But these claims must be countered by the observed outcomes.

There are alternatives. More tomorrow...