TRIBES, INSTITUTIONS, MARKETS, NETWORKS
By David F. Ronfeldt, Senior Social Scientist of Rand Corporation
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Power and influence appear to be migrating to actors who are skilled at developing multiorganizational networks, and at operating in environments where networks are an appropriate, spreading form of organization. In many realms of society, they are gaining strength relative to other, especially hierarchical forms. Indeed, another key proposition about the information revolution is that it erodes and makes life difficult for traditional hierarchies.
What forms account for the organization of societies? How have people organized their societies across the ages?
1. the kinship-based tribe,
2. the hierarchical institution,
3. competitive-exchange market,
4. and the collaborative network,
