- In complex work, being able to dynamically adapt when the work plan or structure is no longer the best-suited for the current context is key.	
- However, the strict constraints embedded into workflows prevent workers from successfully implementing alternate solutions, even when better options are identified.
- Also, because workflows are constructed so that people can individually complete each step on their own, crowd workers are encouraged to think myopically about their own responsibilities rather than globally about the final product.
- In contrast, role-based teams could adapt flexibly to their current situation and communicate with one another to collectively implement better solutions.


New York University

The strict pre-arranged structure of workflows inhibit the crowd’s ability to:
- Respond to contingencies
- Consider and implement alternative solutions

Workflows as an Obstacle to Adaptation

Retelny, D., Bernstein, M. S., & Valentine, M. A. (2017). No workflow can ever be enough: How crowdsourcing workflows constrain complex work. Proceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction, 1(CSCW), 1-23.

No Workflow Can Ever Be Enough: How Crowdsourcing Workflows Constrain Complex Work

- The structure of workflows is meant to minimize the margin of error, but it is impossible to anticipate every possible outcome. So, when unexpected challenges occur, it is difficult to adapt the workflow to the situation.
- Given the sequential interdependence structure of the workflow, decisions made upstream have a direct effect on those downstream. For example, if someone upstream drops out, then everything after has to be put on hold until they are replaced.
- Also, the relative lack of concurrent communication in workflows makes it more likely that someone upstream would make a design decision incompatible with the process downstream, disrupting the operation.
- In contrast, the concurrent work structure in role-based teams made it easier to respond to mistakes and emergencies as they occurred.


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