Survey: Business Architecture Non-Negotiables

As the discipline of business architecture formalizes, evolves, and expands to include broader audiences, it is useful to reflect on principles that we as architects hold most precious. The bar graphic summarizes a survey of business architects that were asked to consider what concepts and foundational principles are the non-negotiables.

Here are a few takeaways…

• The results were aligned within a consistent set of categories. In summary, some of the most important things we hold precious are that: (1) business architecture represents the business (2) the practice of business architecture should deliver business outcomes (3) the core positioning for business architecture is between strategy and execution (4) capabilities and value streams are the core views (5) process is not a domain of business architecture (even if a very valuable one within the operating model), and (6) adaptation and collaboration are important for success.
• The top two non-negotiables were related to strategy execution positioning and the use of capabilities. Here were a few specific comments:
  • “The role of advisor to strategy team on current / future architectural aspects of a given strategic intent, and program / project initiation.”
  • “Business architecture's positioning between strategy and execution based on business capabilities.”
  • “Strategy to execution.  Period.”
  • “Having a single enterprise capability.”
• The next two non-negotiables were related to business architecture representing the business and the focus on delivering outcomes. Here were a few specific comments:
  • “Business architecture is about the business.”
  • “Business Outcomes - Always focus on business outcomes.”
  • “Most important non-negotiable principle is what business value is provided and how. Using the right capabilities. If business does not find value there is no point in have a strategy that is hollow.”
  • “Proactively understanding the Client's mandate(s), its operational organization to achieve it including related issues negatively affecting its efficient and effective delivery.”