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The effects of process orientation: a literature review

Markus Kohlbacher

Business Process Management Journal

ISSN: 1463-7154

Article publication date: 9 February 2010

8774

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to carry out a literature review of studies that have analyzed the effects of process orientation (PO).

Design/methodology/approach

An examination of the literature is undertaken to review studies that report about the influence of PO on organizational performance. Studies are classified into statements without straight empirical support, quantitative studies, and case studies.

Findings

A total of 26 studies are identified that report about effects of PO on organizational performance. Studies where positive effects are obtained are predominant. The effects most often reported are speed improvements, increase of customer satisfaction, improvement of quality, reduction of cost, and improvement of financial performance.

Research limitations/implications

According to the results of the paper, positive effects of PO are clearly more often reported than negative effects. It might be the case that popular press and case studies tend to report positive effects more often than no (or negative) effects. This possible bias towards positive effects is an important limitation of this paper. The paper identifies a lack of quantitative studies investigating the effects of PO on organizational performance.

Practical implications

The paper offers interesting implications for managers, pointing out that a process‐oriented organizational design may result in a positive influence on organizational performance.

Originality/value

The findings are derived from a comprehensive literature review of studies that have investigated the PO‐organizational performance link. In addition, ideas for improving future research in this field are provided.

Keywords

Citation

Kohlbacher, M. (2010), "The effects of process orientation: a literature review", Business Process Management Journal, Vol. 16 No. 1, pp. 135-152. https://doi.org/10.1108/14637151011017985

Publisher

:

Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2010, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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