The document discusses predictions from students in an organization design elective about the future of organizational structures and the role of technology. While many students doubt the complete elimination of hierarchical management in large firms, there is an expectation for increased reliance on teams and networks for work. The document emphasizes a divide in opinions regarding accountability and management styles in the future, reflecting a range of beliefs about the evolution of organizational practices.

1. The future of organization design
…according to groups in the organization design elective
at the Frankfurt Institute
1
The future of organization design

2. 2
In the class, I described an org. design decision support tool that I am developing with two colleagues that
uses algorithms to find the best organizational model (it is called Re:config). Most of the students believe
that this is the future, while one group is more neutral and another group finds it highly unlikely.
Highly
unlikely
Highly
likely

3. 3
Highly
unlikely
Highly
likely
Most of the groups concluded that it is unlikely that large firms will remove the hierarchical management
structure (It seems like the students have been negatively affected by my formalistic view of the world…)
The exception is one group that concluded that it is fairly likely that this will happen.

4. 4
Highly
unlikely
Highly
likely
The groups thought it was somewhat (un)likely or highly unlikely that future firms will only have a handful of
employees. But as you can see, the ratings range from 1 to 8, so difficult to interpret this one.

5. 5
Highly
unlikely
Highly
likely
The students believe it is unlikely that computers will be held accountable for their decisions in the future,
but the probability that is given varies from 1 to 6.

6. 6
Overall, the students seem to predict that more work will be performed by teams, projects and networks. I
personally think they exaggerate the probability here, and that there are lots of tasks that are still going to be
performed by individuals working separately 10 years from now (but maybe by individuals belonging to groups).
Highly
unlikely
Highly
likely

7. 7
Today, accountability is an individual level concept, but some authors have raised the possibility of making
teams and networks accountable. Personally, I have a hard time seeing how that could be done, but most
of the groups think that it is somewhat likely. We need to wait and see..
Highly
unlikely
Highly
likely

8. 8
Highly
unlikely
Highly
likely
The American management model is globally dominant, but the prediction here is that different ways of
managing firms will persist in the future. If you believe that cognitive diversity is beneficial for the world, let’s
hope they are right.