The complexity of most of the processes that are operated in industry, commerce and the services places them beyond the control of any one individual. Furthermore, as any supply chain becomes more fragmented, the interface between organizations gives rise to many of the more significant problems and opportunities. Developing effective solutions requires the involvement of all the stakeholders in the problem areas. The only really efficient way to tackle process management and improvement is through the use of some form of teamwork, which has many advantages over allowing individuals to work separately:

A greater variety of complex processes and problems may be tackled – those beyond the capability of any one individual or even one department or organization – by the pooling of expertise and resources

Processes and problems are exposed to a greater diversity of knowledge, skill and experience and are solved more efficiently

The approach is more satisfying to team members and boosts morale and ownership through participation in process management, problem solving and decision-making

Processes and problems that cross departmental or functional boundaries can be dealt with more easily, and the potential/actual conflicts are more likely to be identified and solved

The recommendations are more likely to be implemented than individual suggestions, as the quality of decision making in good teams is high

Processes and problems that cross organizational boundaries can only be effectively dealt with by inter-organizational teams

Most of these factors rely on the premise that people are willing to support any effort in which they have taken part or helped to develop.