The starfish and the spider symbolize the competing forces of centralization and decentralization from "summary" of The Starfish and the Spider by Ori Brafman,Rod A. Beckstrom
In the natural world, the starfish and the spider represent two distinct organizational models that highlight the tension between centralization and decentralization. The starfish, with its decentralized structure and ability to regenerate its limbs, embodies the power of decentralization. It can survive and thrive even when parts of its body are removed, illustrating the resilience and adaptability that come with decentralization. On the other hand, the spider, with its centralized nervous system and reliance on its head for decision-making, symbolizes the dangers of centralization. If the head of a spider is crushed, it dies, illustrating the vulnerability of centralized organizations to disruption and collapse. The contrasting characteristics of the starfish and the spider serve as a metaphor for the competing forces of centralization and decentralization in human organizations. Centralized organizations, like spiders, tend to rely on a single point of control or decision-making. This can lead to efficiency and consistency but also leaves them vulnerable to attacks or disruptions at that ...
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