The DNA Replication Framework
A comprehensive 7-step framework for organizational replication that ensures companies copy what actually matters (genotype) rather than surface-level traits (phenotype).
A comprehensive 7-step framework for organizational replication that ensures companies copy what actually matters (genotype) rather than surface-level traits (phenotype). The framework guides organizations through identifying their core DNA, analyzing environmental requirements, selecting appropriate replication strategies, and maintaining fidelity over time.
When to Use The DNA Replication Framework
Use when planning any growth strategy: franchising, geographic expansion, M&A, capability acquisition, or cultural transmission. Essential before scaling a successful model to new markets or contexts.
How to Apply
Genotype Discovery
Identify your organizational DNA: the essential principles, capabilities, and processes that generate success across contexts. Run The Genotype Audit to distinguish DNA from phenotype.
Questions to Ask
- Does this work across different markets/products/teams?
- Does this reflect a principle rather than a specific tactic?
- If this element changed, would we fundamentally be a different organization?
- Can we codify this explicitly, or is it implicit/cultural?
Outputs
- 3-5 sentence organizational genotype document
- Clear distinction between DNA and phenotype
Phenotype Analysis
Identify which elements of your success are environment-specific adaptations rather than core DNA. Understand how environmental factors in the new market differ from your original environment.
Questions to Ask
- What are baseline customer expectations in the new market?
- Who's already adapted to this competitive space?
- What regulatory constraints exist here that didn't exist there?
- What infrastructure capabilities does this environment provide or lack?
- What cultural behaviors/values are norm here?
Outputs
- Environmental factors inventory
- List of phenotypic adaptations needed
Replication Mode Selection
Choose the appropriate biological strategy based on your situation: asexual (franchising), sexual (M&A), horizontal transfer (best practice adoption), or epigenetic (cultural transmission).
Questions to Ask
- Do we have a proven model in stable environments? (Asexual)
- Do we need capabilities we lack? (Sexual/M&A)
- Is there a proven practice elsewhere we can adopt? (Horizontal transfer)
- Do we need to preserve culture through transition? (Epigenetic)
Outputs
- Selected replication strategy
- Rationale for strategy choice
Fidelity Mechanisms
Design proofreading mechanisms to ensure DNA transfers correctly: training programs, certification, documentation, and mentorship.
Questions to Ask
- How will we train new units on organizational DNA?
- What certification/gatekeeping will ensure DNA fluency before operation?
- What documentation encodes our DNA explicitly?
- How will experienced practitioners transmit DNA through mentorship?
Outputs
- Training program design
- Certification requirements
- Documentation standards
Error Detection and Correction
Build systems to detect replication errors and distinguish harmful drift from beneficial mutations.
Questions to Ask
- How will we compare replicated units to DNA baseline?
- What metrics indicate whether DNA principles are generating expected results?
- How will we survey cultural alignment?
- What customer feedback signals DNA promise delivery?
Outputs
- Variance analysis process
- Outcome metrics
- Cultural assessment tools
- Correction protocols
Germline Protection
Establish mechanisms to distinguish invariant principles from somatic adaptations and prevent drift from corrupting core DNA.
Questions to Ask
- What are our 3-5 non-negotiable DNA principles?
- Which current practices are somatic artifacts vs. true DNA?
- What did original architects consider essential vs. contingent?
- Which elements must stay constant even in radically different markets?
Outputs
- Germline vs. soma distinction
- DNA protection protocols
- Periodic DNA review process
Environmental Fitness Testing
Test whether your DNA is adapted to the new environment through small-scale pilots before full replication.
Questions to Ask
- Can we run a small-scale pilot with high DNA fidelity?
- What metrics will indicate whether DNA generates expected results?
- What would cause us to adapt vs. exit?
- If DNA needs phenotypic adaptation, what changes are required?
Outputs
- Pilot design
- Success metrics
- Decision criteria
- Adaptation plan if needed