Exploring factors that affect Business Process Management (BPM) adoption in South African State-Owned Enterprises

Abstract

South African state-owned enterprises (SOEs) often adopt business process management (BPM) to improve service delivery. BPM supports effective and efficient business processes. However, BPM adoption does not always yield positive results, and the known benefits associated with BPM are not always realised. This paper explores the factors that affect BPM adoption, particularly in South African SOEs. The study used the grounded theory method of literature review. The findings showed five main factors that can affect BPM adoption in the context of South African SOEs. The BPM adoption factors were culture, the BPM office, technology and infrastructure, leadership, and people. The presence of a BPM office to manage organizational processes was critical to the success of BPM adoption. Good technology and infrastructure are also important when adopting BPM. Finally, top management support and employee participation are required for the BPM initiative to be successful.