What is the role of "process definition" in CMMI?

The role of "process definition" in CMMI is fundamentally about providing clarity and consistency in how processes are executed. A well-defined process serves as a roadmap for teams and organizations, describing the specific steps, responsibilities, and outputs required to achieve desired outcomes. This clarity ensures that everyone involved understands their roles and the expectations for performance, which can lead to more effective project execution and improved quality of results.

By establishing clear processes, organizations can reduce variability in how work is performed, leading to more predictable outputs and outcomes. Consistency across teams and projects ultimately leads to higher performance and facilitates alignment with CMMI goals, such as continuous improvement and operational excellence. This coherence is essential for achieving maturity in process capability, fostering a disciplined approach to performance and productivity.

In contrast, while increased flexibility, reduced documentation, and enhanced creativity can be valuable in certain contexts, they do not capture the primary intent of process definition within the CMMI framework, which is grounded in establishing a stable and actionable foundation for performance management.