Some lessons from WMF - how about a layered model of governance?
Wayne,
I didn't say this to be facetious - I said it to be in line with our messaging...
An organization (or community effort) that reaches its goal, has to plan for some closure activity - and this in turn is reflected in the strategy and the governance model it chooses - because different skill sets, resources, etc. are involved.
I recall a recent talk I heard about the folks involved in the 2010 Olympics here in Vancouver, and they noted that they had a particular challenge to recruit folks who knew that the actual organization would be winding down shortly after the Main Event. Moreover, the kinds of activities after the 'wind-down' are a bit different than the 'wind-up', and you still want some key people in place.
- Randy
I didn't read your comment as being facetious.
In the information society I think that its dangerous to to assume a static target. Technological advances may be such that we achieve a free curriculum by 2010.
I cannot predict what the educational challenges will be in 2015 nor can I assume what technologies will be out there to support education. I do know that the landscape will change and the knowledge is VERY dynamic:
- What about the maintenance and updating of the free knowledge curriculum?
- What about the implications of a free curriculum for assessment methodologies assuming the de-institutionalisatoin of education?
There was a time in history of society before the existence of institutionalised education (schools, universities etc.) Therefore it plausible to assume that we will see new organisational and institutional arrangements in education.
Sure, I take your point that winding-down is different from winding-up - but it's dangerous to speculate about what may or may not be in 2015.
Its about managing a difficult balance:
- If the future was 100% predictable - there would be no need for strategic planning
- If the future was fundamentally un-kown - no planning possible.
We operate somewhere in between these poles. Technology compresses the time frames and the position on the continuum.
Personally I'm reluctant to speculate about post 2015.
Cheers Wayne
Wayne,
I am in agreement with you - interestingly, in my Master's OD program, the topic I'm working on is about Creativity through Controversy.
This thread is an excellent example about how we can be creative and controversial at the same time! I really like the examples you give, to prove your point, and at the same time, it provides further information to ponder.
Yes, one of the great challenges in the Wiki environment is that it is SO dynamic as compared to other technologies. But as you rightly point out, the rest of the world is moving too - maybe not at the same pace - but moving in how it focuses on particular challenges.
I've sent a shot across the bow about 2015....and you've responded in a way that is neither defensive nor offensive ~ it is merely thought-provoking, and focused on your current goal.
Thanks,
Randy
