Process – A Battlefield

Processes coordinate complex, interrelated activities. In a sense, they make up the manual governing the inner workings of a company. I have listed below – in very simplified form – where I see key divergences between German and American process philosophies.

What does your experience tell us?

Success Factor
Germans consider processes key to the success of a company. Americans would cite other factors. More relevant than how the work is done is what the concrete results are.

Deductive vs. Inductive
German processes and procedures are arrived at deductively, based on standards and norms. American processes and procedures are arrived at inductively, based on experience.

Guaranty vs. Tool
For Germans the goal and the path to the goal are two sides of the same coin. For Americans, processes are tools, simply a means to an end.

Discipline or Divergence
Germans prefer generally formulated processes allowing for interpretation. Judgement calls are driven by training and experience. Americans also seek that fine line between process discipline and flexibility. Judgement calls are made within the team or by next level management.

Power & Influence
Because Germans are product and manufacturing oriented, they instinctively strive to have the say about internal processes. Because Americans believe that all activities should be oriented on the needs of the customers, they quickly strive to have the say about sales, marketing, customer relationships.