Decision Rights: Designing Adaptive Authority Structures

About this episode

Colin and Chris explore the complexities of authority within organisations and the importance of adaptive authority structures.

In this episode, Colin and Chris delve into the complexities of authority within organisations, exploring how it is often misunderstood as a binary concept tied to org charts. They discuss the Viable System Model and the importance of distributed control, emphasising the need for feedback loops in decision-making processes. The conversation shifts to the balance between centralisation and decentralisation, highlighting the pitfalls of both extremes. They also touch on the significance of organisational culture and the role of shadow authority in shaping decision-making dynamics. Ultimately, the episode underscores the importance of understanding the informal networks and true power dynamics that exist within organisations. In this conversation, Colin and Chris explore the complexities of authority within organisations, particularly in the context of mission-based teams and the growth team operating system. They discuss the importance of understanding informal authority structures, the management of cross-functional teams, and the need for clear governance to ensure effectiveness. The conversation also delves into how authority evolves during crises and the significance of…

People in this episode

Host: Colin

Guest: Chris

Topics covered

• authority structures
• decision-making
• centralisation vs decentralisation
• organisational culture
• shadow authority
• agility in organisations

Keywords

• authority
• decision rights
• organisational dynamics
• feedback loops
• cross-functional teams
• governance
• crisis management

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Viable System Model

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