Table 2

Summary of implications from the example

ConceptualizationModel analysisImplications on the flexibility-support tradeoff
Imperative
  • •

    Model does not show links to important actors

  • •

    Model overlooks important aspects of the wider process

  • •

    Model centered on administrative controls

  • •

    Improvisation is often necessary to complete the process, but the administrative controls cannot be violated

Both flexibility and support are constrained by focusing on specific tasks
Instance-based
  • •

    Model is generic and opaque

  • •

    Model does not address what happens with failed applications

Support is impaired by model opaqueness. Flexibility is possible but with low support, as improvised actions are undocumented
Declarative
  • •

    Model has only few compulsory tasks; the other tasks can be deviated

  • •

    Model lacks clarity about which tasks can be deviated

  • •

    Model lacks critical information necessary to complete the process

  • •

    Model does not address failed applications

Process support depends on a variety of information. Flexibility is possible, but the level of required compliance is unclear
Actor-centric
  • •

    Model does not show important interactions

  • •

    Model has excessive focus on administrative actors

  • •

    Applicants live the process in a wider context not reflected in the model

Flexibility involves a variety of actors and interactions. Support is compromised by block-boxing these interactions
Patterns of action
  • •

    Model promotes a bureaucratic procedure

  • •

    Process is more opportunistic than what the model implies

  • •

    Actors develop strategies to increase the success of completing the process

Opportunistic behavior is an essential aspect of flexibility. Support is impaired because successful behaviors are undocumented
Process stories
  • •

    Model limits collaboration with other parties

  • •

    Scope is wider than suggested by the model

  • •

    Connections with the wider process are not obvious in the model

  • •

    Roles and actors are more varied than suggested by the model

  • •

    More feedback is required to avoid failure

Flexibility has a wide scope and depends on a variety of related elements. Support depends on documenting a variety of experiences

or Create an Account

Close subscription notice
Close access options