This reading assignment gave me an overview of decentralized and centralized organizations. It gave a very good example by giving a history lesson about the Spainards vs the native tribes in Mexico. It threw it parallels of the past to what is happening now with intellectual property against piracy and peer-to-peer networks like Napster and Kazaa.
Overall, it was an interesting read on the current conflicts going on with digital property and the ongoing battle against a threat that does not have a central power to take down
The Spaniards were unable to defeat the Apaches due to a decentralized system amongst the Apaches. There was no central power in any form; everyone did what they wanted in free will. Lead by example, not coercion. The same can be applied to P2P or similar networks. There is no central HQ for them and whenever one goes down, more arise and keep going.
Centralized organizations have a central power that calls the shots. For example a CEO or a king. Coercive in nature and specific positions and places that have power. A decentralized organization has no clear leader, hierarchy, nor headquarters. People usually lead by example, not power as the power is distributed to the people.
Traits of a decentralized organization are flexibility, shared power, and ambiguity.
Centralized organizations have a central power that calls the shots. For example a CEO or a king. Coercive in nature and specific positions and places that have power. A decentralized organization has no clear leader, hierarchy, nor headquarters. People usually lead by example, not power as the power is distributed to the people.
This reading is relevant to the conflict between taxi companies and competitors such as Uber and Lyft. It is similar to the Spaniards and Aztecs: Centralized vs Decentralized organizations. There is always going to be competition because Uber and Lyft give power to anyone who wants to drive. Eventually, the major taxi companies will be phased out.