Hierarchy, while traditionally viewed as the backbone of successful organisations, may not be as crucial as it’s made out to be. Instead, the concept of ‘wirearchy’ is gaining traction, emphasising the power of interconnectedness over hierarchical structure. Wirearchy, a term coined by Jon Husband, prioritises the flow of knowledge and decision-making power through an interconnected network of individuals, rather than a top-down approach.
The military, often seen as the epitome of hierarchy, also shows signs of shifting towards this model. The U.S. military’s Mission Command philosophy, for instance, encourages soldiers to take the initiative in the absence of orders, fostering a more decentralised decision-making process.
Furthermore, Morning Star, a tomato processing company, has been successfully operating without managers for over 40 years. Employees negotiate responsibilities with each other, demonstrating that a non-hierarchical structure can function effectively.
Despite these examples, hierarchy isn’t entirely redundant. It provides clarity and can be useful in crisis situations where swift, decisive action is required. However, it’s worth considering that the benefits of wirearchy might outweigh those of traditional hierarchy in an increasingly interconnected world.
Go to source article: http://blogs.hbr.org/2013/11/hierarchy-is-overrated/