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Business Quote by Clay Shirky

“For the last hundred years the big organizational question has been whether any given task was best taken on by the state, directing the effort in a planned way, or by businesses competing in a market.” quote by Clay Shirky
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““For the last hundred years the big organizational question has been whether any given task was best taken on by the state, directing the effort in a planned way, or by businesses competing in a market.””

Clay Shirky

About This Quote

Source Article: “The Big Organizational Question” in Harvard Business Review, 2005

Debates whether tasks are best handled by government planning or market competition.

In simple terms: Should the state or market handle tasks?

Key Takeaway

Weigh pros and cons of public vs private solutions.

Themes

government market efficiency

Mood

analytical thoughtful

Type

policy economic

When to use this quote

  • infrastructure projects
  • healthcare delivery
  • education reform

Key Concepts

Public policy economic theory

Questions to Reflect On

  • When is government intervention justified?
  • How can markets address public needs?
A Different Perspective

Complex issues may need hybrid approaches.

3.9 out of 5 (4 ratings)

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