Sequential variety in work processes

This paper introduces the concept of sequential variety as a way to measure variability in the sequence of steps used to perform a work process. There is reason to expect that such variability may influence a range of outcomes, such as flexibility and quality. Two alternative ways to operationalize sequential variety are demonstrated and compared to traditional measures of task variety in four task units. The findings provide empirical support for treating sequential variety as a distinct construct. In particular, sequential variety appears to provide an index of tacit, procedural knowledge, while task variety may relate more closely to explicit, declarative knowledge.