Ideology is the glue that holds decentralized organizations together

In order for a decentralized organization to retain its cohesion and purpose, it requires a shared vision and the parameters (norms) by which it operates. In this regard, ideology is “the glue that holds decentralized organizations together.”[1]

The capacity of this [decentralized] design for effective performance over time may depend on the existence of shared principles, interests, and goals— perhaps an overarching doctrine or ideology—which spans all nodes and to which the members subscribe in a deep way. Such a set of principles, shaped through mutual consultation and consensus-building, can enable members to be “all of one mind” even though they are dispersed and devoted to different tasks. It can provide a central ideational and operational coherence that allows for tactical decentralization. It can set boundaries and provide guidelines for decisions and actions so that the members do not have to resort to a hierarchy because “they know what they have to do.[2]

#decentralization #networks

The five legs of a decentralized organization:

  1. Leg 1: Circles – Leadership is by circles in decentralized organizations
  2. Leg 2: The Catalyst – A catalyst starts and moves on from a decentralized organization
  3. Leg 3: Ideology – Ideology is the glue that holds decentralized organizations together
  4. Leg 4: The Pre-existing Network – Decentralized organizations emerge from networks
  5. Leg 5: The Champion – Champions relentlessly promote a new idea

See also:

  1. The Starfish and the Spider – Brafman and Beckstrom (2006), ch. 4, 95. ↩︎

  2. Networks and Netwars – Arquilla and Ronfeldt (2001), 9. ↩︎