Abandoned Quote by John Kenneth Galbraith
“The notion of a formal structure of command must be abandoned. It is more useful to think of the mature corporation as a series of concentric circles.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The New Industrial State, John Kenneth Galbraith, 1967
Corporations function better as networks of influence rather than strict hierarchies.
In simple terms: Companies work like circles, not ladders.
Key Takeaway
Adopt collaborative structures.
Themes
organization
leadership
structure
Mood
analytical
critical
Type
theoretical
strategic
When to use this quote
- team projects
- corporate governance
- startup culture
Key Concepts
systems theory
network theory
Questions to Reflect On
- How can circles improve decision making?
- When might hierarchy be necessary?
A Different Perspective
Rigid hierarchies can still be efficient in some contexts.
![“The most important thing is that the work has to be solid [in terms of its formal structure] and that the work accomplishes what it strives to achieve. It has to be genuine - not mannered or stylistically driven.” quote by Wayne Thiebaud](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/9e8/wayne-thiebaud-19970_accomplish_the-most-important-thing-is-that-the-wor_3068954.jpg)
