Posted: March 12th, 2023

Describe how standards can limit “out of the box” thinking

Week 1 Discussion Question 1

No unread replies. No replies.

Many organizations belong to “accrediting bodies” or “national organizations” that make sure that companies meet certain “minimum standards” of that accrediting organization.  An example is Brenau University.  Brenau belongs to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), or the College of Business and Mass Communication that belongs to the  Association Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).  Another example are hospitals that are accredited by the Joint Commission, or Contractors who are accredited by state licensure bodies.

Many organizations work hard to meet and maintain those standards.  But other organizations who meet them, might also rarely go “past” or have “different” standards in fear of becoming “unaccredited” in some way. 

Describe how standards can limit “out of the box” thinking and can prevent organizations (and people within those organizations) from coming up with innovative and creative new methods, products, and services.  How then should an organization innovate while at the same time meet an accrediting body’s standards?