Can a framework substitute management?

Do we often overplay the importance of an “accepted and standardised” framework within the realm of management?

Management, simply put, is the act of getting people and resources together to accomplish desired goals and objectives. A framework is a structure that will aid and assist in the process of increasing customer value and optimizing goals. Every business across the world has a framework which works and it might not be documented well enough. For ex., Motorola adopted a management framework and they called it “Six Sigma” which was well articulated and then shared it publicly. Most organizations use that as they don’t want to reinvent the wheel.

In my view one should not force fit a program just because it is popular. It should always stem from an analysis of the needs and gaps required to be addressed within the organization. Another factor to be considered is the maturity level and stage of the journey of the organisation. If the need and the stage are right, these programs can be used in two ways:

• To enhance what is currently; not replace (to take the organization to a higher level of maturity)
• To validate the current framework – as there could be some improvement areas which can add value to the business approach

It is, however, imperative to make sure that the organization’s needs or gaps are well identified before embarking on any adoption of a framework so that it creates the right impact and yields desired results. Remember, management has to drive the business in the right direction, a framework will help to channelise the energies in this direction.