The Bureaucratic Immune System
Every institution develops defenses against disruption. The problem begins when the system starts treating solutions as threats.
Every institution develops defenses against disruption. The problem begins when the system starts treating solutions as threats.
In many organizations, the appearance of competence is easier to measure than competence itself. That’s where the trouble begins.
Many bad outcomes begin with good intentions. The challenge is that reality responds to consequences, not motives.
People tend to move toward rewards and away from consequences. Understanding incentives often explains behavior better than understanding intentions.
Most organizations begin with a purpose. As they grow, protecting the organization itself often becomes just as important—and sometimes more important—than the original mission.