Decision-Making in Organizations: Seek Advice, Not Consensus

Decision-Making in Organizations: Seek Advice, Not Consensus

Who should hold the decision-making power in an organization? What’s the trend in this arena? Some emerging organizations operate from a new set of rules that veer away from hierarchical structures based on power and achievement. The most counterintuitive aspect of these visionary organizations is their approach to making decisions. Continue reading to learn about this revolutionary approach to decision-making in organizations.

Job Role vs. Job Description: Which Is Better?

Job Role vs. Job Description: Which Is Better?

In the debate regarding job role vs. job description, where do the most visionary companies come down? What difference does it make to an organization’s flexibility and overall performance? In Reinventing Organizations, Frédéric Laloux identifies an emerging breed of company that operates from a new set of rules. One new rule they’ve adopted is exchanging job descriptions for job roles. This change serves both the employee and the organization. Continue reading to understand Laloux’s findings about job roles.

Autonomy in the Workplace: Trust Unleashes Potential

Autonomy in the Workplace: Trust Unleashes Potential

How much control from above do workers need? Which is more effective for performance—regulations or trust? Frédéric Laloux surveyed successful companies that embody the mindset he believes will epitomize the next stage of human evolution. He identified a common thread of practices and philosophies. These include new assumptions about how people work—and how they’re motivated to work. Read more to learn Laloux’s findings on autonomy in the workplace.

Non-Hierarchical Organizations: 3 Different Approaches

Non-Hierarchical Organizations: 3 Different Approaches

Are middle managers necessary? What are some ways to get around a top-down structure? In Reinventing Organizations, Frédéric Laloux describes “teal organizations.” The most radical departure of these visionary organizations from modern structures is the elimination of the top-down pyramid. They aren’t “flat” but fluid, with complex interrelationships determining how power and resources are shared. Read more to learn about three different structural approaches that non-hierarchical organizations use based on their size and the nature of their work.

A History of Organizations: From Kingdoms to Corporations

A History of Organizations: From Kingdoms to Corporations

How have organizations changed over time? What accounts for these changes? Where are organizations headed next? In order to understand the future shape of organizations, it’s important to look at how they’ve developed. In Reinventing Organizations, Frédéric Laloux traces a series of paradigm shifts in organizational structure over the past 10,000 years, arguing that each transition goes hand in hand with a change in how we think about the world. Continue reading to understand the history of organizations from ancient kingdoms to modern corporations.

Reinventing Organizations by Frederic Laloux: Book Overview

Reinventing Organizations by Frederic Laloux: Book Overview

Which is it better to use—job titles or job roles? What will the role of the CEO be in the future? In Reinventing Organizations, Frederic Laloux identifies an emerging breed of company that operates from a new set of rules. Laloux claims that humanity is on the cusp of a new paradigm in how we organize ourselves and suggests ways that businesses can adapt to this transition that will elevate how we work and how we live. Keep reading for an overview of this intriguing book.

The Functions of Religion in Society: Do We Really Need It?

The Functions of Religion in Society: Do We Really Need It?

What are the functions of religion? What societal needs does it fulfill? Is religion necessary for these functions? Many contend that religion explains the existence of the universe, provides morality and social stability, binds people together, and gives rise to comfort and hope. While religion does serve these functions, some argue that these roles can be fulfilled by alternatives to religion. Keep reading for an overview of the functions of religion in society, drawing on ideas from Jonathan Haidt, Will and Ariel Durant, Richard Dawkins, Nassim Nicholas Taleb, and others.

Offshoring and Outsourcing in the United States: Pros & Cons

Offshoring and Outsourcing in the United States: Pros & Cons

What are offshoring and outsourcing? Are they good or bad? In The World Is Flat, Thomas L. Friedman examines the forces of globalization, where they came from, how they’re changing the world, and what the globalized future might hold. He discusses new forms of collaboration that accelerate globalization. Those developments include outsourcing and offshoring. Read more to understand how offshoring and outsourcing in the United States contribute to globalization and for a brief discussion on the pros and cons of outsourcing in particular.

5 Captivate Quotes by Vanessa Van Edwards to Inspire You

5 Captivate Quotes by Vanessa Van Edwards to Inspire You

What are some of the best Captivate quotes? What captures the essence of the book? In Captivate, best-selling author Vanessa Van Edwards provides strategies to help you become a social superstar. She argues that, by taking control of social situations and presenting your best self, you can dazzle the people you want to know and forge meaningful relationships. Continue reading for some hand-picked quotes from Captivate to help you get the gist of the book.