Fuzzy Signals

Irrelevancy

"A theory has only the alternatives of being wrong or right. A model has a third possibility: it may be irrelevant," wrote Manfred Eigen.

I'm particularly interested in surfacing the irrelevant models – physical or mental &ndash which get in the way of creating better futures of ourselves, our organizations, and our planet. There are quite a few lurking out there, influencing our actions and ideas, whether we are aware of this or not.

So, what are they? What are these outdated ideas and assumptions which matter the most? Give me some examples, evidence, signals large or small of how they are no longer relevant for our time, no longer working, or just down right destructive.

Let's take an obvious one, at least to me. Large multinational corporations, many of which still function based on an industrial age logic and rationale, are brushing up against the limits of their organizational design and ability to create value. Something is quite broken in these companies, and the evidence is abundant. The business models in many global industries (airlines, automobiles, telecommunications, music/entertainment, even some consumer goods) are clearly sick, and the market system, as imperfect as it is, is starting to concur. It's evolve or devolve: those are the long term strategic choices for large corporations. I have lots more to say about this, of course. There are some subtle and not so subtle points to be made. And for the record, I'm not one of these people who thinks corporations are evil and totally beyond repair, nor am I someone who thinks they are the solution either. But all of this will have to wait for another posting, because I, too, am a little sick today. So do some thinking for me, and give me some of your thoughts.

Sniffle. Sniffle.

Posted by nicole at October 6, 2003 11:41 AM