Which role is essential for driving process maturation through standardization?

The role that is essential for driving process maturation through standardization is best encapsulated by process governance. Process governance involves establishing frameworks, guidelines, and standards that dictate how processes should be designed, implemented, and monitored. This structure ensures that processes are not only standardized across an organization but are also aligned with strategic goals. By having clear governance mechanisms in place, organizations can foster consistency, reduce variability, and enhance overall efficiency in their business processes.

In contrast, while process stewards and process leaders play crucial roles in managing individual processes and motivating teams respectively, they operate within the confines of the governance framework. Their efforts are essential for execution and adherence to the governance standards. Executive leadership, while critical for strategic vision and direction, relies on effective governance to implement and maintain those standards at an operational level. Therefore, process governance is fundamentally the backbone necessary for achieving process maturity through standardization.