Simon Suwanzy Dzreke, Semefa Elikplim Dzreke

The Enterprise Lingua Franca: A Foundational Framework for Semantic Interoperability and Cross-Functional Cognition

Introduction

The enterprise lingua franca: a foundational framework for semantic interoperability and cross-functional cognition. Digital transformation fails due to conflicting cross-functional mental models. This paper introduces the Enterprise Lingua Franca, a framework for semantic interoperability and strategic coherence.

Abstract

Digital transformation often fails at the conceptual level: Seventy-three percent of cross-functional initiatives fail because the functional mental models don't match up, making it impossible to solve difficult problems like making sustainability profitable. This research identifies a significant deficiency in enterprise interoperability, wherein disparate departmental epistemologies manifested in conflicting interpretations of fundamental constructs such as "customer" or "value" among Marketing, Finance, and Operations—result in strategic incoherence despite technological integration. Technological solutions are inadequate in addressing these profound philosophical gaps. This paper introduces the Enterprise Lingua Franca, a new cognitive framework created through design science research that combines case studies, ontology engineering, and cognitive task analysis to make organizational intelligence more cohesive. It creates the first theory of Cross-Functional Cognition and gives tangible steps for semantic alignment that turn conceptual fragmentation into strategic coherence, which opens up new ways to solve problems.

Review

This paper tackles a critically important and often overlooked challenge in digital transformation and organizational effectiveness: the failure of conceptual alignment across functions. The authors astutely identify that while technological integration has advanced, a deeper philosophical and semantic disconnect persists, manifesting in divergent interpretations of core business constructs. The proposed "Enterprise Lingua Franca" framework, conceived through a multi-faceted design science approach, promises to bridge these gaps, moving beyond mere technological fixes to address fundamental cognitive and epistemological divides. This foundational perspective on semantic interoperability and cross-functional cognition appears highly relevant for both academic research and practical implementation, particularly in today's complex, data-driven enterprises. The strength of this research lies in its ambitious scope and the interdisciplinary methodology described. By combining case studies, ontology engineering, and cognitive task analysis, the authors demonstrate a robust approach to developing a novel cognitive framework. The introduction of "Cross-Functional Cognition" as a new theory is a significant claim, suggesting a valuable theoretical contribution that could redefine how organizations think about collaboration and problem-solving. The promise of delivering "tangible steps for semantic alignment" is particularly appealing, as it suggests a practical utility beyond the theoretical insights, offering a clear path from conceptual fragmentation to strategic coherence. While the abstract outlines a compelling vision and a rigorous methodological approach, the full paper would benefit from elaborating on certain aspects. Specifically, the nature and detailed mechanisms of the "tangible steps" for semantic alignment will be crucial for assessing the framework's practicality and scalability. Further detail on how the proposed "Enterprise Lingua Franca" framework dynamically evolves, adapts to new organizational contexts, and handles potential resistance to new conceptual models would also strengthen the work. Additionally, given the theoretical claim of "Cross-Functional Cognition," the paper should rigorously differentiate this theory from existing concepts in organizational learning, shared mental models, and knowledge management to firmly establish its unique contribution.

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