Behavioral similarity in business process models: A perspective that needs more attention

Although extensive research has explored business process model similarity, the coherence and structure of these studies remain underexplored. This paper systematically reviews the literature, with a particular focus on behavioral similarity. We conduct a systematic review of the literature on process model similarity, with a focus on two primary measurement approaches: trace-based and model-based similarity. Based on 99 reviewed studies, we developed a three-dimensional framework and conducted a quantitative comparison of selected similarity measures for deeper analysis. Our findings provide structured insights to strengthen the assessment of process model similarity, particularly from a behavioral perspective. The review process follows a six-phase systematic methodology, from the identification of relevant keywords to the creation of bibliographic maps that visually represent the findings. These insights offer a foundation for future research and practical applications within the field.