The last real chapter of the book. This chapter summarizes all the writers’ ideas. I am very cynical of the writers’ ideas that mass collaboration is going to change the world. I think it is just a new tool available. Also, the writers say throughout that the IT should drive the firm’s strategy, but as we learned in class, strategy should drive IT.
That new companies are slow to adopt is not a new idea. Schumpeter called this “Creative destruction”. A new firm comes along with a new way of doing things and drives the others out of business. Then another new firm has a even newer and better way, and drives more firms out of business. Or, the old firms adapt to the new way of doing things, and survive. I think this is what will happen with mass collaboration. Either it will change everything, or nothing.
I agree with the statements about outsourcing. The most efficient firms and countries should be the ones producing, and then trade with each other. This is how society maximizes benefits in a capitalistic society.
A major point that I think was underplayed was when P&G said for ever top person they have, there are 200 more just as good out there. I think this is important. Too many people emphasize pedigree ie where you went to school, rather than your actual ability. Many people that I have met that went to fancy top tier schools were incompetent. Their parents happened to be well off enough to send them to a fancy private school, which helped them get into elite colleges. When I worked with them, they were very incompetent. The best tax lawyer in Canada had a C average in law school. F. Lee Baylee went to a small no name Boston law school, failed criminal law twice, and became the US’s best defense lawyer. The problem is, many companies think that unless you went to X school with an awesome GPA, you aren’t worth hiring. All this leads to is grade inflation, and those who are capable get squeezed out for a less capable person who was lucky enough to get a brand name education. Off topic, but I wanted to get that out there.
Finally, some additional info on France and Apple. France is telling Apple that its iPod and iTunes violate competition laws. In response, Apple wants all DRM removed. This would put them and their competitors at equal footing. Otherwise, someone can use iTunes and not iPod and vice versa.
2 comments:
Most law students have 'C' averages because that is the way the curve is set up. I firmly believe that law school grades are not related to competence or intelligence. When you have 1 exam that represents 100% of your grade, it's probably not the most accurate assessment. BUT grades are really only important for your first job. Once you get started, your performance will carry you forward. This is where the "incompetent" ivy league grads will get separated out of the mix. At least that's the story I keep telling myself.
Also, I think that's a great thing about this "openness" premise. It gives people an alternative route to do something great despite their mediocre GPA.
I do agree with your comment on the competency levels. I do believe that the firms in order to survive they need to adapt to the changing trends otherwise they will go down the drain. But we will see more of mass collaboration though
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