I talk a lot about a social organization and James Tyer and I will elaborate in our book, Social By Design, but I thought it would be helpful to share what we mean. A social organization is a conversational organization. And yes, all types exist and are encouraged as knowing people on a deeper level aids in work relationships. However what orgs need is work conversations and not just those that help work get done more effective and efficiently but conversations that continually challenge HOW work gets done, to improve it for the benefit of company, individual worker and culture.
These conversations spur innovation and creativity. Work is the object that social forms around. But for work to be critically discussed, the processes and protocols, those written and unwritten must be revealed. It’s only with transparency and openness that people can see and contribute in meaningful ways. therefore it’s openness and transparency can enable a social organization to exist.