The degree to which decisions, authority, and execution remain structurally aligned across organizational layers.
Full Definition
Operational Coherence refers to the structural alignment between strategic intent, decision boundaries, authority distribution, and execution behavior.
A coherent system does not eliminate variance.
It absorbs variance without distorting structure.
Coherence exists when:
• Decision Nodes interpret consistently
• Activation Lines trigger predictably
• Decision Boundaries remain respected
• Authority does not diffuse
• Escalation follows defined thresholds
Incoherence appears when different layers operate under conflicting interpretations of intent.
Under pressure, incoherent systems produce friction, redundancy, and reactive escalation.
Operational Coherence is not consensus.
It is structural alignment.
A system may have disagreement and still be coherent.
It becomes incoherent when interpretation replaces structure.
Structural Role in NAP
Within NAP, Operational Coherence functions as a composite diagnostic signal.
It reflects the interaction of:
• Decision Integrity
• Execution Stability
• Authority Distribution
• Boundary Clarity
Coherence declines gradually.
Early indicators include:
• Behavioral Drift
• Escalation irregularity
• Interpretation variance across nodes
Sustained incoherence leads to:
• Authority Diffusion
• Behavioral Escalation
• Escalation Saturation
• Execution Instability
Engineering coherence requires structural recalibration, not behavioral correction.
Coherence is the measurable outcome of stable architecture under strain.
