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Agreement Quote by Clay Shirky

“The more people are involved in a given task, the more potential agreements need to be negotiated to do anything, and the greater the transaction costs.” quote by Clay Shirky
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“The more people are involved in a given task, the more potential agreements need to be negotiated to do anything, and the greater the transaction costs.”

Clay Shirky

About This Quote

Source Book: Here Comes Everybody, Clay Shirky, 2008

More participants increase negotiation needs and raise transaction costs, making coordination harder.

In simple terms: More people = more agreements needed.

Key Takeaway

Simplify coordination structures.

Themes

economics organization technology

Mood

strategic practical

Type

analytical practical

When to use this quote

  • project management
  • online platforms
  • team meetings

Key Concepts

transaction cost economics collective action network theory

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can we reduce coordination overhead?
  • When is it better to limit participants?
A Different Perspective

Complex tasks may become unmanageable despite many contributors.

2.8 out of 5 (10 ratings)

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