Developing an Organizational Reference Model by Selecting and Integrating Multiple References

Abstract

In view of the growing supply of reference models in various domains and in different formats, and the potential benefits to organizations using them, this article proposes to (1) present the theoretical background to the subject, and (2) situate and discuss issues associated with integrating such references. Adopting multiple reference models poses practical problems for organizations as regards where to look for the models, which to adopt, and once selected, how to ensure the references are consistent with each other and suited to the organization’s particular features. As a possible avenue to solutions, this text describes the conception of an organization-specific reference model. The model proposed can be constructed by way of an articulated solution based on one or more reference models, which were selected thematically, subjected to adjustments for coherence and interrelationship, matched against the organizational culture, and explicitly formulated.