Scope, schedule, and budget (the “Iron Triangle”) are not independent. They are an interlocked system. A change in one must force a managed change in the others. Your change control process must evaluate every request against its impact on all three constraints. This prevents the common failure of approving a scope change without acknowledging its true cost.

Compliance

Engagement

The “Why”

“I have to”

“I want to”

Motivation

External
(reward & punishment)

Internal
(pursues purpose)

Focus

Rules and policies

Goals and mission

Results

Meets standards

Exceeds standards

Behavior

Follows instructions

Take initiative & innovates

Outcome

Stability

Growth, innovation, higher productivity