Organizing in the knowledge age: Anticipating the cellular form

Abstract

Executive Overview Each major era in business history has featured a particular form of organization. Early hierarchical, vertically integrated organizations have largely given way to network organizations that link the assets and know-how of numerous upstream and downstream industry partners. A number of leading companies today are experimenting with a new way of organizing—the cellular form. Cellular organizations are built on the principles of entrepreneurship, self-organization, and member ownership. In the future, cellular organizations will be used in situations requiring continuous learning and innovation.