Civil War The Concept of the Corporation Chapt 2

Drucker dashes over the problem of Civil War. He may get to it later.

The problem is common enough. An organization needs a good supply of leaders. You need to have leaders serving in lower positions who can take the top. Each is ambitious. Elbows are thrown. Words are said. The fight begins. How do you stop Civil War without being Richard II, without alienating your subordinates and weakening the organization. Richard (Shakespeare if the reference is not clear.) banishes one contender and punishes another. In the process he starts the process that will lead to his overthrow. He could not control his followers and could not defend himself. The play ends badly, if you have not seen it . There is a speech about a “little, little grave”. That is all that is left for the weak leader.