"The new world of work," says Grantham, "is one in which people voluntarily come together and find e ach other as workmates based on a common personal philosophy, social attitudes and shared behaviors. This is the collaborative workspace. This is a work space that is enabled by our new technologies and by people's desires to work with others with whom they share more commonalities than differences."
Grantham describes three new forms of the emerging work organization. From 1989-1992 we had "teleworkers." The emphasis was placed on the individual contributor. The commerce model, "manufacturing;" the type of interaction "work flow;" the social metaphor "coordination;" the sports metaphor "baseball." Then, from 1993-1997 we had "virtuality." The emphasis was on technology and the project team, the type of interaction "connectivity;" the social metaphor "cooperation;" the sports metaphor "football." From 1998 to 2004 Grantham predicts that we will be in the age of "Hollywood" type organizations. The emphasis will be placed on the organization, on teams of teams. The type of interaction "community." The social metaphor "collaboration." The sports metaphor "basketball."
Grantham's vision is undeniably positive and hopeful. And what makes reading this book so valuable is that the vision turns out to be based, not on hope, but on actuality. In his case study of VIA International, he concludes: "VIA is what the workplace of the future can be. It's collaborative; it's about community; it's very respectful of all its people; and it is led by people with a clear vision of the future, a sincere desire to serve their customers, and a wish to foster the development of all people in the company."
The following list of "Charlie's Assumptions" reveals as much about the author as about his vision. We find ourselves wanting to embrace both:
Charlie's Assumptions About Technology 1. People strive to develop in a positive fashion toward greater self-actualization. They are always trying to be better and realize their full potential. 2. The meaning of work is derived from the phenomenon of interaction with others and with the environment. Work gives meaning to our lives that derives from how we interact with one another. 3. Symbiotic evolution of people and social groups is facilitated by open communication. We can all learn and grow together if there is open communication. 4. Purposeful communication provides a material benefit to human action. Being clear and honest in our communication leads us to fewer misunderstandings and more satisfaction in our relationships. 5. A person or group has meaning only within the identity of a larger social context. That is, our identity derives only within the context of being a part of a bigger group or community. 6. Development of technology tends to increase the scope and rate of human interaction. We get more connected every day, and there is always more information coming at us. 7. Clear, concise conversations, based on mutual nonjudgmental respect, provide a clear pathway for people to transcend narrow, self-serving behavior. 8. The creative aspect of people arises from the act of serving beyond self. We can realize our creative potential when we put self aside and strive for a greater good.
For more, visit Grantham's website: TheFutureofWork.net