BPM: Cultural Alignment of Organizational Units : A Case Study of a German Shipyard

Abstract: Purpose – This research aims to explore subcultures within a target organization that have been formed in different organizational units and investigate their interactions with a central business process. This will be done by analyzing how the subcultures of a German shipyard align with values that are supportive of a business process management (BPM) approach and how they might support or hinder those values.   Design/ methodology/approach – This research is constructed as a qualitative case study. An inductive approach is utilized to conduct semi-structured interviews. Data analysis is conducted by a thematic framework analysis.   Findings – The results of the research are factors that can not only hinder but also support BPM-supportive values. Those factors are continuous communication, engagement and motivation of the employees and an active process management.   Research limitations/implications – The transferability of this research to other organizations is limited, yet not negligible. Due to the highly context-based, cultural setting that is specific to any group of people. The research contributes to further understanding the holistic approach of BPM that is highly influenced by organizational culture and subculture and its values.   Practical implications – The result can be used to either prepare organizations for a BPM-initiative or give them guidance in assessing the factors that might hinder and support the BPM-supporting values of specific organizations.   Originality/value – The research contributes to further understanding the holistic approach of BPM that is highly influenced by organizational culture and subculture and its values.