Collaboration in a Complex Environment

Collaboration is an expectation in today’s business environment. At its most fundamental level, collaboration is defined as working together on a shared task, project, or goal. Collaboration typically involves identifying roles, sharing knowledge, and creating consensus. Organizations tend to rely on collaboration to share information and expertise, solve complex problems, and develop innovative new processes, products, and services. Coupling the engrained role of collaboration in business with today’s complex work environment (e.g., remote workforce) creates its own sets of problems in terms of methods and investments in tools and technology. 

In September 2016, 1,046 people participated in APQC’s Envisioning the Workspace of the Future survey. The research was designed to help organizations understand how looming technological and cultural shifts may influence their priorities and investments.  Of the survey participants, 241 were from process and performance management functions (e.g., process, performance, project, and quality management). This article explores communication and collaboration practices and tools for process and performance management professionals.