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The way innovating companies are designed leaves…

“The way innovating companies are designed leaves ambiguities, overlaps, decision conflicts or decision vacuums in some parts of the organisation. People rail at this, curse it-and invent innovative ways to overcome it.” quote by Rosabeth Moss Kanter
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“The way innovating companies are designed leaves ambiguities, overlaps, decision conflicts or decision vacuums in some parts of the organisation. People rail at this, curse it-and invent innovative ways to overcome it.”

Rosabeth Moss Kanter

About This Quote

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

Organizational design often creates unclear responsibilities and decision gaps, prompting frustration and creative problem‑solving.

In simple terms: Design can cause confusion and conflict, leading people to find new solutions.

Key Takeaway

Clarify roles and empower decision‑making.

Themes

leadership organization conflict innovation design

Mood

reflective analytical

Type

strategic diagnostic

When to use this quote

  • project teams
  • product development
  • cross‑functional meetings
  • crisis management

Key Concepts

systems thinking authority distribution adaptive leadership

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can leaders balance clarity with flexibility?
  • What structures prevent decision vacuums?
A Different Perspective

Even with clarified roles, cultural resistance may persist.

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