The designation refers to an individual accountable for the end-to-end performance of a specific set of activities within an organization. This individual possesses the authority to make decisions regarding process design, execution, and improvement. For example, the manager overseeing the customer onboarding sequence is responsible for its efficiency, compliance, and overall contribution to customer satisfaction. They are empowered to modify steps, allocate resources, and implement new technologies to optimize the process.
Effective management of these activities is critical to operational excellence and strategic goal attainment. Assigning clear accountability fosters ownership, promotes continuous improvement, and reduces ambiguity in responsibilities. Historically, a lack of defined roles in process management led to inefficiencies and inconsistencies. This formalized accountability structure addresses these shortcomings, fostering a more agile and responsive organizational environment. Benefits include improved efficiency, reduced operational costs, increased customer satisfaction, and enhanced compliance with regulatory requirements.