Comments on: Dead Paradigms in Organizations

By: Jevon MacDonald

Jevon MacDonald — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 13:38:39 +0000

I have been thinking about this more since our last conversation Rob, and was thinking about it while doing this post. That is why I chose the term “Reporting Hierarchies”.

It goes back to earlier discussions about emergence. Understanding how hierarchies can emerge, rather than be created, is going to be key to forming more efficient organizations. Recognizing Natural Leadership as an asset, not a point of contention (which is what it devolves in to now far too often).

By: Rob Paterson

Rob Paterson — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 13:22:46 +0000

I like to call these dead paradigms – “Zombies”

Jay – I am not convinced that hiearchy is dead – I think that it is different. In a machine organization – leadership is appointed. In a Natural organization – the hierarchy is based on recognized talent.

Imagine a hunting band – there is a natural hierarchy of knowledge. It is surely the same in Open Source

If your organization uses a web 2.0 tool to gather and host the conversation – then those who are the wisest and who contribute the best will rise to the top of the natural hierarchy.

There is nothing in nature that does not have such a hierarchy.

The challenge in most organizations is that the hierarchy is based not on value but on control

By: Jay

Jay — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 04:19:55 +0000

This is great!! From my expereicne; i wish if all organizations are flat. Hierarchy takes away unity. Jay

By: Paula Thornton

Paula Thornton — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 00:48:16 +0000

While you haven’t finished your thoughts (current post ends mid-sentence), it would appear that myself and Chris Rogers were having a similar discussion: http://informalcoalitions.typepad.com/informal_coalitions/2007/10/all-organizatio.html.