2. Objectives
To define workflow and identify its activities and implications in business.
To recognize poor workflow and recommend modifications.
To identify the processes required to successfully operate different departments of a business.
To describe the relationship between workflow and productivity.

3. Workflow Is the process and order by which work gets completed
May refer to the grouping of operating tasks
Requires coordination between tasks
Is structuring processes so work proceeds throughout the business, flowing from one task to another, in the most efficient order

4. Implications of Workflow
Successful workflow will result in high productivity and smooth functioning
Workflow problems can lead to confusion, poor performance and costly mistakes
An employee’s position in the workflow can be seen as reflecting his/her level of power
the more centrally located in the workflow, the more control and therefore, the more power

5. Implications of Workflow
For workflow to go smoothly, communication is essential
Communication can progress in the following ways:
upper management
manager
manager
subordinate
subordinate

6. Workflow Analogy
Workflow can be thought of in simpler terms by applying it to everyday activities
for example, getting ready for school:
this would be an example of an efficient workflow
rearranging the order of the workflow by fixing your hair before getting in the shower disturbs the whole process of getting ready, because you did not follow the correct order
wake up
brush your teeth
take a shower
fix your hair
get dressed
leave

7. Departmentalization
Can improve workflow by grouping workers and tasks based on:
product or service
useful when business has multiple product lines or performs multiple services
geography
useful when customers are spread across a large geographical area
target market
useful when each set of customers has common problems and needs
Of all types may be used by large organization

8. Departmentalization Also occurs by function
human resources
accounting
clerical
marketing
Each department has its own functions
workflow is utilized in each department within those functions
to remain efficient and effective, workflow must follow a certain pattern within each department

9. Workflow in Human Resources1
recruiting 2
hiring 3
orienting 4
training 5
payroll

10. Workflow in Accounting
accounts payable 1 2
accounts receivable 3
billing

11. scheduling appointments
Workflow in Clerical Department 1
answering phones 2
registering 3
scheduling appointments 4
maintaining filing

12. research and development
Workflow in Marketing 1
research and development 2
market analysis 3
sales

13. 1 3 2 4 6 5 Workflow Scenario How might Any Business, Inc. adjust
The HR department of
Any Business, Inc. is
looking to hire four new
employees 1
After orientation, each
candidate is introduced
around the company
and registered
in payroll 3
When the
candidates arrive,
they are led
through an
orientation
process 2 4 6
After interviews
are conducted,
four people
are chosen
The new
employees
begin their
training
At this point, information
about the candidates not
selected is sent to payroll
and they are deleted from
the system 5
How might Any Business, Inc. adjust
its workflow to be more effective?

14. Workflow & Productivity
Go hand in hand
If either is insufficient, the other suffers
when experiencing poor productivity, workflow will be sluggish and inefficient because departments may have to wait on each other
if there is a problem in the workflow, it will be reflected in productivity because tasks might have to be redone
When workflow and productivity suffer, the result is an erratic, inefficient business struggling to perform and succeed

15. Workflow & Productivity
Go hand in hand
If either is impressive, the other improves
when productivity is high, workflow is able to run smoothly because interruptions are less likely
when workflow is operating correctly, it will increase productivity because efficiency is increased
When workflow and productivity are both at their best, the result is a coordinated, efficient business functioning at its peak performance

16. Acknowledgements
Robey, Daniel. (1986). Designing Organizations (2nd edition). Homewood, Illinois: Irwin.
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