Many organizations go through 're-engineering', 'transformation', adopting what could be said as best in class. Best practices are ideal. But most often I think we are blindly looking into an ideal state. And not realizing that best practice may not be what is called for. Understanding the current situation is important to rationalize what 'best practice' is best for us. I have to constantly remind myself of this to stop myself from falling into the allure of 'best practices'.
Here is a good read on the allure and dangers of best practice
