Proceduralization: what it is and what it means

Proceduralization is the process that turns an activity performed in a variable, informal way into a documented activity with standard steps and assigned responsibilities. As input it works on informal practices and the tacit knowledge of the people doing the work; as output it produces an SOP or a work instruction that reduces output variance. Three conditions determine its success: the chosen activity is repetitive enough, the real steps are observed — not assumed — and the document is adopted by the people who do the work. Without adoption, proceduralization produces nothing but paper.

Distinctive: turns an activity performed in a variable, informal way
Distinctive: tacit knowledge of the people doing the work
Essential: documented activity with standard steps
Essential: reduces output variance
Constant: assigned responsibilities
Constant: without adoption, proceduralization produces nothing but paper

Glossary

Proceduralization

A process that turns an activity performed in a variable, informal way into a documented activity with standard steps and assigned responsibilities.