The Misconception of Ad hoc
Current micro-business worlds are constantly becoming faster and faster as new technologies are being adopted. Along with the fervor of every project being accelerated, the concept of ad hoc has seethed into a majority of corporation’s ethos. The controversy with the ad hoc approach is how companies, departments, teams, as well as individuals interpret it. The term has become tumultuous to the point where it may or may not cause an establishment to go into a constant gyre.
From a formal definition stand point, ad hoc is characterized as a solution designed for a specific issue and/or task1. In certain situations, undistorted individuals may perceive the definition as verbatim. When enacted ad hoc is conveyed as a one time, special circumstance.
The phrase has added a recent secondary connotation of: “lacking generality or justification2.” It can be also referenced as a “makeshift solution.” Cognizant people who are up to date may relate to the alternative definition. Multiple interpretations can be a cause of concern.
The resolution of ad hoc dilemmas can be relatively simple or may be complex depending on a company’s perspective. The simple resolution is to have clear communication with all parties involved in the situation and to define ad hoc from the point of inception. Examples of effortless solutions may be:
- Having a quick conference going over the firm’s definition of ad hoc with departments, teams, individuals, etc.
- Defining in business documentation may be necessary to prevent ad hoc from being misconstrued.
A more complex solution may come into play when ad hoc at the workplace transcends from a singular occurrence to everyday business. It’s a definite eye opener when a phrase becomes a process and/or mantra at a firm. One important point to note when ad hoc evolves to this stage is not to mirage the term with adaptability/flexibility. These concepts are completely different!
The resolution to a complex ad hoc event is not straight forward and may be highly involved because it has been engrained within the firm. The best practice to eliminate a complicated ad hoc event could be:
- Hire an independent consultant or source with expertise in assisting with identifying pain points and derive company centric solutions.
Beware complex instances may result in major changes within the firm where employees, departments, and the current culture may be turned on its head.
Ad hoc is a real misconception in today’s business world and should not be taken lightly!
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