Abstract
Productivity is the Holy Grail of every Chief Operating Officer —
deliver more with less. While the sales and marketing groups seek to
drive top line revenue with increased sales, the operational teams
are charged with improving the bottom line through increased
productivity. High tech companies often position themselves as the
solution. Whether offering sophisticated consulting services or the
latest hardware and software, technology companies assert that
installing their products or availing yourself of their services
will make your company more productive. The gospel of productivity
is woven into the marketing message of every company offering goods
and services in the technology sector. But what is productivity?
This article explores the larger context of organizational elements
that enable technology to deliver on its promises. Along with
technology, organizational structure, process, and culture also play key
roles in facilitating technology’s effectiveness. Together we call these
“the four pillars of productivity.” When they are in balance the
resulting organization is a powerhouse of efficiency that learns and
becomes more productive as it grows.
