Streamlining Operating Models for Global Real Estate Companies

Role: Strategic Consultant

Industry: Large, Fortune 500, real estate company, global with strong US presence and accounting centers in Poland, US, India

Situation:

Functional organization with business, finance, accounting, controllership having their own priorities and agenda. Despite existing RACI this geographically dispersed organization struggles to have clear roles and responsibilities that actually work. We need to revisit the existing operating model to develop clear areas of responsibilities, governance. I need market examples of large organizations that developed clear operating model with clear ownership over efficiency and financial performance. We are currently looking at situation where all functions are blaming each other and it is not clear who is accountable to make final decisions.

Question to Marcus:

“

I need market examples of operating models that clarify roles and responsibilities and ownership.

Target Operating Model

Revisiting the Target Operating Model (TOM) is essential for a large, geographically dispersed real estate company. A well-defined TOM clarifies roles, responsibilities, and governance structures, ensuring accountability across all functions, from business and finance to accounting and controllership.

This model should be tailored to integrate the unique needs of each geographic location, including the US, Poland, and India. For example, aligning the TOM with local regulatory requirements and cultural differences can enhance efficiency and collaboration. Implementing a standardized yet flexible TOM can mitigate the blame game by defining clear decision-making hierarchies and ownership of financial performance, thus fostering a more cohesive organizational culture.

Organizational Structure

An effective Organizational Structure is crucial for delineating roles and responsibilities in a global real estate company. Adopting a matrix structure could help balance the functional and geographical dimensions, providing clarity on who is accountable for specific tasks.

This structure allows for specialized teams in accounting, finance, and controllership to work collaboratively while maintaining their functional expertise. It's important to ensure that reporting lines are clear and that there are dedicated roles for coordinating activities across different regions. This approach minimizes conflicts and enhances operational efficiency by ensuring that each function knows its scope of responsibility.

Governance

Strong Governance frameworks are vital for ensuring accountability and transparency in decision-making processes. Establishing a global governance board that includes representatives from each key function and geographic region can facilitate better alignment and oversight.

This board should be responsible for setting strategic priorities, monitoring performance, and resolving inter-functional conflicts. Clear governance policies and regular review meetings can ensure that all functions are aligned with the company’s strategic goals, thereby reducing the tendency to shift blame and improving overall efficiency and financial performance.

RACI Matrix

Despite having a RACI Matrix, the organization struggles with role clarity. It's essential to revisit and update the RACI to reflect current operational realities and ensure that it is understood and accepted by all stakeholders.

Conduct workshops to walk through the RACI with teams from different regions, ensuring that everyone understands their roles and responsibilities. This exercise can also identify any gaps or overlaps in responsibilities that need addressing. An updated and well-communicated RACI matrix can significantly improve coordination and accountability across the company.

Stakeholder Management

Effective Stakeholder Management is critical in a large, dispersed organization. Identifying and engaging key stakeholders from all functional areas and regions ensures that their perspectives and needs are considered in decision-making processes.

Regular stakeholder meetings and transparent communication channels can help in aligning priorities and resolving conflicts. This approach fosters a collaborative environment where stakeholders are more likely to work together towards common goals, enhancing overall efficiency and financial performance.

Change Management

Implementing changes in roles and responsibilities requires a robust Change Management strategy. This includes clear communication of the changes, the rationale behind them, and the benefits they bring.

Training programs and support systems should be put in place to help employees adapt to new roles and processes. Effective change management minimizes resistance and ensures a smoother transition, which is crucial for maintaining operational stability and achieving desired outcomes in a global, multi-functional organization.

Decision Making

Clarifying Decision Making processes is essential to resolve the issue of unclear accountability. Establishing clear decision-making protocols, including who has the authority to make final decisions in specific scenarios, can reduce confusion and improve efficiency.

Decision-making authority should be aligned with the updated RACI matrix and governance framework to ensure consistency. Providing decision-makers with the necessary data and tools can also enhance the quality and speed of decisions, contributing to better financial performance and operational efficiency.

Performance Management

Implementing a robust Performance Management system can help in tracking and improving efficiency and financial performance. This system should include key performance indicators (KPIs) that are aligned with the company’s strategic goals and are relevant to each function and region.

Regular performance reviews and feedback loops ensure that all functions are accountable for their contributions. A transparent performance management system can also identify areas for improvement and drive continuous enhancement of processes and outcomes.

Building Effective Teams

Building Effective Teams across different functions and regions is crucial for operational success. Fostering a culture of collaboration and mutual respect can help in breaking down silos and improving coordination.

Implementing team-building activities and cross-functional projects can enhance understanding and cooperation among different functions. Effective teams are more likely to work together towards common goals, reducing the tendency to blame others and improving overall efficiency and financial performance.

Organizational Alignment

Ensuring Organizational Alignment across all functions and regions is key to achieving strategic goals. This involves aligning the objectives and priorities of different functions with the overall mission and vision of the company.

Regular strategic alignment sessions and integrated planning processes can help in harmonizing efforts across the organization. Organizational alignment ensures that all functions are working towards the same goals, enhancing coherence and reducing conflicts, thereby improving efficiency and financial performance.