The majority of our organisational structures are hierarchical and separate us from people who are the customers and/or in receipt of the provided services. These structures can constrain and separate us from our human hearts and intentions, nature and community. One user described his experience of receiving services as having ‘his freedom stolen’.
It is not in us to completely get rid of these structures; perhaps we could simplify them, make them more human and more likely to encourage sustainability and responsibility?
Audite Mihi has developed three key essentials for an organisation. They are:
Probity – ‘the quality of having strong moral principles; honesty and decency’ (Oxford English Dictionary). This should apply across all aspects including finances. The organisation needs to decide what its purpose, principles and expected behaviours are and how it will ensure that they are followed. The responsibility for probity is collective.
Collaboration – the organization works together to achieve the purpose. They use governance, strategy and plans only if needed. Understanding and enacting the key purpose through collective discussions and agreement on desired behaviours and actions can substitute for governance, strategy etc. The organisational structure facilitates collaboration and mutual learning.
Resource organisation and mobilisation – the organisation obtains and uses resources that are environmentally and socially responsible, e.g. locally sourced items. Everyone makes sure that standards are high and quality is offered. Resource organisation and mobilisation is carried out collaboratively and as simply as possible.
(‘True Citizenship’, Audite Mihi, 2012)
What would happen if we re-structured using these elements? Perhaps we would think differently about what is vital and needed. An organisation I work for has kept employees at the front line working full-time and those responsible for management and structure are part-time. It’s a scary thought but perhaps it will rebalance the organisation and place power where it should be.
What are you prepared to change and let go of for true collective responsibility?
Green Conduct on