The Pseudo-Flat Organization Syndrome

Recently during Anna Hazare's fast one debate that raged-on was - who is supreme? Is the parliament or the people? Whereas most political leaders were of the opinion that the parliament is supreme but the Anna's camp was very clear that the people were supreme. The supporting argument from Anna's camp was that people created the constitution, the constitution created the parliament and the parliament created parliamentarians. The creator is always greater than the creation, hence the people are supreme. I kind of buy into this argument. However is this what happens on the ground? I seriously doubt. How many times you believed that happens in reality?  The concept that the government is of the people, by the people and for the people remains an utopic dream. This is what I call the pseudo-flat organization syndrome.
The pseudo-Flat Organization syndrome exists in many organizations too. Here is a simple test to find out whether your organization suffers from this syndrome. Have you felt the concept of freedom,. empowerment in your organization is only on the paper and a mere rhetoric? Have you felt helpless at decisions being taken in your organization? Have you felt that speaking your mind could be injurious to your health? If the answer to all these questions is yes, then your organization also suffers from this syndrome.
Such organizations may reap cash profits in the short-run, if the demand outpaces the supply in the industry in which they operate. However their long-term sustainability is seriously questionable. Only a cultural transformation and a 360 degree mindset change can cure the syndrome.