PG023

Greater Process Policy Consistency vs. Business Unit Autonomy

Business Context. Consistent enterprise-wide process policies simplify governance and reduce risk, but business units often need autonomy to adapt policy to their specific market, customer base, or operating model.

Process TRIZ Resolution. Rather than mandating identical policy application everywhere, organizations should define non-negotiable core policy requirements alongside a defined zone of discretionary interpretation that business units can adapt to their context.

Applicable TRIZ Principles

Principle 3 (Local Quality) defines a discretionary zone within which business units can adapt policy.

Principle 40 (Composite Materials) combines non-negotiable core requirements with locally adapted discretionary practice.

Principle 6 (Universality) designs policy to accommodate multiple valid local interpretations.

Expected Outcome

Enterprise policy consistency

Meaningful business unit autonomy

Reduced policy-driven friction

Clear boundaries for local adaptation

Decision Indicators

Business units treat enterprise policy as advisory rather than mandatory.

No clear distinction exists between fixed requirements and adaptable practice.

Policy disputes between headquarters and business units are frequent.

Local autonomy is granted informally rather than through a defined structure.

Policy consistency audits repeatedly find unauthorized local variation.

If several of these indicators are present, the contradiction is likely active and the Process TRIZ resolution above should be evaluated.