Scholarly record

AN EMPIRICAL ANALYSIS OF WORKFLOW-STRUCTURE ALIGNMENT IN INFORMATION-INTENSIVE ORGANIZATIONS

Andrejs Cekuls, Signe Balina, Andris Kikans, Laila Cekule

Abstract

Functional fragmentation remains a critical constraint in information-intensive organizations, limiting workflow coherence and reducing overall process performance. This study provides an empirical analysis of workflow–structure alignment, with particular emphasis on coordination and governance mechanisms as means of integrating fragmented functional activities. Drawing on Business Process Management (BPM) and socio-technical systems theory, alignment is conceptualized as the integration of organizational structure, standardized workflows, and governance mechanisms that ensure process continuity and accountability across the entire process lifecycle. A mixed-method empirical approach is employed in a document-intensive organizational setting characterized by dispersed responsibilities, fragmented information flows, and limited process visibility. The findings indicate that the implementation of structured coordination mechanisms significantly improves workflow integration by enhancing information continuity, reducing redundancies, and increasing process transparency. In addition, these mechanisms strengthen accountability by clearly linking roles to process outcomes and supporting governance practices such as performance monitoring and role-based control. The results further demonstrate that the adoption of coordination-oriented approaches enhances cross-functional collaboration by facilitating communication across organizational silos and aligning activities with shared process objectives. The findings suggest that organizations seeking to overcome functional fragmentation should prioritize the development of coordination and governance mechanisms, supported by standardized workflows and digital monitoring capabilities, in order to achieve sustainable improvements in coordination, transparency, and operational performance.

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