Has governance stifled creativity and efficiency in the testing world? I carried out a small localised survey with some close acquaintances to get their view. Some were firmly in the camp of governance being necessary, and others felt creativity and efficiency have been damaged by governance.
My thoughts on governance.
Personally I think both are true. In an earlier article I talked about digital being the centre piece of business and no longer a gimmick. This is being recognised by many older established organisations. Some of which are funding multibillion dollar programmes to reinvigorate their digital presence, starting from scratch with new eyes. Where this is happening governance needs a place at the head of the table. Imagine the impact to a billion dollar business upon releasing a new digital landscape if the correct checks and quality are not adhered to at every stage. This doesn't just relate to software quality but also quality around resources, recruitment, planning, process, and sign off, to highlight a few of areas. Not to mention support and customer service after the release. That is how they will see it anyway.
There is always a "But….". There is no getting away from the efficiency and speed at which new organisations are able to proactively build from the ground up whilst being flexible and small and creative. There is no reason why a large organisation cannot do likewise. Delivering with small empowered teams. Many a large organisation is falling behind the times because they continue to do what they have always done. Whilst the new kids on the block are winning the race.
Software testing and development as an art form.
Designing a web page or a graphic for a website is classed as Art. Why is software development and testing any different? I feel this is the point being lost. Software development and testing used to be an art form but has become a science. My previous article on Microwave Meal Methodology comes into the mix here also. Individuals are being trained to do things in a specific way. In doing so they are losing the ability to be creative and do things differently. When we dare to be different we break the status quo and evolve.
Governance is necessary. However when it becomes necessary in order to keep people in jobs then I think it loses its purpose. I saw a quote from Steve Jobs posted on the boards recently that really made this point well:
“It doesn’t make sense to hire smart people and then tell them what to do; we hire smart people so they can tell us what to do.” - Steve Jobs
Governance needs to be managed correctly.
Governance has become a form of micro management. A lack of trust in those we have hired to do their job. The result though isn't just a work force in despair but a process that is filled with bottlenecks and opportunities to fail. Small organisations just starting up don't have this problem as they need each individual in the business to work to their fullest potential in order to survive. Unnecessary governance becomes a cost and a brake to progress.
So how do we balance the need for governance and the ability to meet demand with flexibility and creativity? The answer is "People" and "Trust". We hire the right people and we trust them to do their job.
