This paper examines how organizational roles can be made more effective through the systematic analysis and design of roles based on the business processes they serve. It describes the development and application of Process-Based Role Analysis and Design (PROBRAD), a practical organizational development intervention. The intervention focuses on enhancing role effectiveness while achieving comprehensive organizational alignment.
The application of PROBRAD in an international information technology industry, specifically for the role of a country manager, resulted in the expansion of the role beyond marketing and sales. It also revealed weaknesses in organizational processes and policies and clarified the newly expanded responsibilities of the country manager.
The redesigned role—comprising the role mission, role expectations, critical attributes, and behavioral norms—developed through the application of PROBRAD, can help information technology organizations maximize the effectiveness of the country manager’s role and facilitate the adoption of progressive human resource management practices.
