The Genome Compatibility Test
A diagnostic framework for assessing whether your organization can successfully integrate capabilities from other industries through horizontal transfer.
A diagnostic framework for assessing whether your organization can successfully integrate capabilities from other industries through horizontal transfer. Tests whether your organizational infrastructure can support the new DNA before attempting adoption.
When to Use The Genome Compatibility Test
Use before adopting practices from other industries (Agile, OKRs, design thinking, etc.). Essential for avoiding the horizontal transfer paradox: acquiring capabilities faster than evolving them, but failing at integration.
How to Apply
Identify Underlying DNA
Understand the principles behind the practice, not just the rituals.
Questions to Ask
- What is the underlying DNA of this practice - the principles, not just rituals?
- What assumptions does this practice make about organizational culture?
Outputs
- Practice DNA identified
- Cultural assumptions documented
Assess Infrastructure Compatibility
Evaluate whether your organizational infrastructure can express the new DNA.
Questions to Ask
- Do we have compatible organizational infrastructure to express that DNA?
- What regulatory environment does this practice require?
Outputs
- Infrastructure gaps identified
- Regulatory requirements mapped
Plan Infrastructure Build
If infrastructure is incompatible, plan what must be built before transfer.
Questions to Ask
- What infrastructure must we build first?
- Can we build the regulatory environment before transferring the DNA?
Outputs
- Infrastructure build plan
- Sequence of changes required