Misuse: Operationalize

Question

I am finding that consultants use "operationalize" to mean: "Implement solution-x in such a way that it will become part of the company's native/core operations."

Aside from the fact that "operationalize" is a terrible word, regardless of use, I do not think the word is used properly in this context.

Unfortunately, I have been unable to find a word that fits the above definition. Any ideas?

McNabb · Accepted Answer

... here's it in a sample sentence:

"We work to operationalize our solutions, enabling your company to reap benefits long into the future" --yuck!

Clive · Answer

Hi,

I don't think there is one word that covers all that stuff.

A pox on these barbarians who don't respect the English language!

Clive

Avangi · Answer

"operationalize"

I think the usage as you describe it makes sense logically, ugly though it may be.

If it's already becoming part of the consultant jargon, you'll have to come up with a real beauty in order to displace it!

The word is not yet recognized by Scrabble, so I guess that means they can define it any way they choose.

(We do have "operationalism(s)."

)

I may have to update my list.

Anonymous · Answer

Hi McNabb,

As a management consultant, I just used that word in a project briefI am writing for my internal client! However, although I knew what I meant, I wasn't sure whether anyone reading it would so I checked it out on the web; hence I got directed here.

I have learned that the proper use is academic when abstract concepts are turned into real practical tools or applied in the real world. To "operationalise", then, is to apply a concept such as "fair justice" into the real world by devising real practical tests that define fair justice and measure the justice/legal system against the tests.

My (and my management speak colleagues) use of the word is therefore, strictly incorrect. I mean it (and I suppose the others do too) to mean that we will turn our ideas and plans into real business processes that the organisation will use in the future instead of the way it does things now. In my context, I will be creating a skills matrix that defines the skills that different grades of staff need in the firm. To have this idea make a difference - I will operationalise it, I will have people work differently. So we will measure the staff against those skill levels and list the gaps or the skills that each person needs to acquire. Each person will get a development plan for which they and their direct manager will be responsible for achieving. Managers will give work to staff on the basis of the development plans - ie work that requires the skills listed in the plan and then coach the person concerned to gain and apply that skill. We can review achievement against the plans on a regular basis. Hence the skills matrix idea "solution" is "operationalised"! By the by - the staff will be involved in creating their own development plan so this is not "top-down operationalisation" ha! ha!

Any clearer now?

Keydraft

Anonymous · Answer

Further to my previous long message in support of the word, you could try:-

implement

make work

put into use/operation

make operational

none of which quite capture the essence.......

Misuse: Operationalize

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