The Concept of Integration

At IBI our understanding of the term “integrator” comes from an analysis of today’s business environment where companies are becoming increasingly focused on their core expertise.  We see a natural distinction developing between the role of an integrator and that of the individual specialist.  We know from extensive experience that complex cross-cultural business programs require all-encompassing vision to lead participants to success.  Often a leading company in a project will provide the required integrator function; however, we recognize that in some situations, the independent integrator can lead from a position strengthened by objectivity thereby creating trust in leading all parties to success.    

We see integration as the leadership function in complex programs.  The integrator is someone who defines a “vision” statement as well as a “mission” statement.
In routine programs within a single culture, often the integrator function is minimized since specialists can function on their own from precedent of previous experience.  Complexity of international programs can leave specialists confused and disorganized by issues resulting from distance and lack of cultural understanding.  A visionary leader of high energy, with a passion to “see the big picture” and orchestrate activities of specialists, is required to lead complex multi-cultural programs to reach a threshold from which they can sustain an acceptable level of operation. 

 
In performance of this leadership role the integrator must:

• Be a nurturer, negotiator and builder of trust.    

• Project the vision of the program business plan to all parties.

• Know how to manage in a crisis.

• Know how to cultivate relationships and work with government agencies.

• Create an environment of cross-cultural respect.

• Know how to say NO respectfully and have it be accepted.

• Manage the decision making process.

• Integrate all technical functions and technical components. 

While we greatly respect knowledge, it has been said that imagination is more important than knowledge.  The integrator is the agent who brings imagination and knowledge to a multi-cultural environment focusing program effort to create success.