David, not sure exactly which man you are referrign to, but in any case, I didn’t know about your book … care to present, or sofia, to the p2p blog? thanks for sending me material on it for a wiki entry as well.

Seriously, he mentions flocking, and then dismisses it as it compares to the company structure. This is very short-sited indeed. I have enough experience to know the emphasis is still on foundation and fixity for efficient business structures and the endless saber-rattling of leadership. However, I have enough practice to realise that lean business models are one step away from a much more fluid and no-organisational mode of operation, and it is all about following.

Not to mention that all hierarchies are temporary in nature. It is simply a matter of the period of hierarchical growth and collapse. The question is, how short can it be, and yet remain viable? This might suggest the shorter the flatter, but this depends on our trust metrics. Can a company be formed, perform a social function (eg a product), and dissolve within days? Think event management.

I am not suggesting that we compete or replace traditional structures, but we can easily experiment and collaborate on alternative systems. And if they serve us well, they will erode the edifices of offices to the point where experts will take this as granted. In fact, I would have thought that the people here at p2p “foundation” would be interested in such practice and development.

http://www.lulu.com/product/paperback/pulse/5409152