Content-type: text/html Downes.ca ~ Stephen's Web ~ Don Tapscott: The arc of history is a positive one, towards openness

Stephen Downes

Knowledge, Learning, Community

I haven't said much about Don Tapscott's four principles for the open world partially because it's a TED video and partially because there's little evidence he actually practices any of the four principles (he does tweet regularly, but it's mostly promotional). For the record, here they are:

  • Collaboration. The boundaries of organizations are becoming more fluid and open, with the best ideas often coming from outside.
  • Transparency. Open communication to stakeholders is no longer optional, as organizations become naked.
  • Sharing. Giving up intellectual property, including putting ideas into the commons, is a massive source of value creation.
  • Empowerment. Knowledge and intelligence is power, so as they are distributed, we gain freedom.

Now as regards the first, I would be more inclined to say "cooperation" rather than "collaboration", for reasons I've offered at length in the past. Thus modified, they are principles I would love to see embraced by my own organization, but they run counter to hierarchy, political power, and management control. (p.s. I love the pompous pointed-finger Tapscott photo that illustrates the video, presumably an accident, but so telling). Related: Harold Jarche's aligned principles for an open, networked society.

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Stephen Downes Stephen Downes, Casselman, Canada
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