Viewpoint The Maze of Change
By David Humenansky
Government Executive June 1, 2007
Taking a life-cycle approach can map positive initiatives.
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Change initiatives often fail because they focus on only one or two dimensions. Successful programs cross functional boundaries - people, processes, technology and physical infrastructure.
Approaching the implementation of a new information system as a technology project, for example, is inadequate. Technology is an important consideration, but so are the people who operate the new system, the business processes it supports, and the work locations. Based on years of experience with their own business transformation, Defense Department officials say, "Transformation is meant to deal with the co-evolution of concepts, processes, organizations and technology. Change in any one of these areas necessitates change in all." Of the four dimensions, the most critical dimension for achieving enduring results is generally the last addressed or overlooked: people.
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David Humenansky is a vice president at Booz Allen Hamilton in McLean, Va.
Read article at http://www.govexec.com/features/0607-01/0607-01advp3.htm
