[sociate] I hope Tom Malone's right about the democratization of biz

 <http://ccs.mit.edu/malone/> Tom Malone,
<http://www.pulver.com/supernova/> Supernova's keynote speaker, described
the theme of his new book,
<http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1591391253/jerrymichalskisr> The
Future of Work. Decentralization facilitated by new forms of electronic
communications, Tom says, will (along with other forces) create
transformations in the workplace as profound as the shift in civilizations
from kingdoms to democracies. I sure hope so. 

Questioners during Q&A were pretty pessimistic, but I share Tom's optimism,
especially thinking over the time frames that Tom believes are at play here.


For a strong dose of critical insight on how undemocratic most corporations
are, read Noam Chomsky's
<http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1888363827/jerrymichalskisr> Profits
Over People or go see  <http://www.thecorporation.com/> The Corporation. For
a far more neutral (but equally alarming) perspective on other corporate
dysfunctions, read Art Kleiner's
<http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0385484488/jerrymichalskisr> Who
Really Matters, in which he describes how organizations tend to evolve
unconsciously in ways that serve "core groups," rather than stated missions,
stockholders or other stakeholder. 

But I share his optimism that there is inevitable progress, aided by open
and decentralized communications, toward more open, participative forms of
organization. 

Tom and his family spent a year in Barcelona at the same time as Jennifer
and I were living there. We have fun memories of going to see the second
Harry Potter movie with the Malones at the theater down by the waterfront in
the old Olympic Village. 

posted by Jerry Michalski at 9:10
<http://www.sociate.com/blog/archives/2004_06_01_archive.html#10881018733310
5762> AM

Other related posts: