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Any organization that designs a system (defined broadly)…

“Any organization that designs a system (defined broadly) will produce a design whose structure is a copy of the organization's communication structure.” quote by Melvyn Conway
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““Any organization that designs a system (defined broadly) will produce a design whose structure is a copy of the organization's communication structure.””

Melvyn Conway

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Systems mirror the communication patterns of the organizations that create them

In simple terms: Designs reflect the communication structure of their creators

Key Takeaway

Align communication to improve design

Themes

organization design communication structure systems

Mood

analytical thoughtful

Type

observation analytical

When to use this quote

  • company restructuring
  • IT system planning
  • team collaboration

Key Concepts

systems theory organizational behavior design thinking

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does your organization communicate?
  • What design changes could improve flow?
A Different Perspective

Changing communication may be costly and time‑consuming

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