How flat can it get? From better at flatter to the promise of the decentralized, boundaryless organization

Abstract

Should organizations move to flatter designs—or rather: when, why, and how should they do so? In light of a burgeoning literature, I review the well-structured, timely, and applicable contribution that Markus Reitzig’s new book Better at Flatter: A guide to shaping and leading organizations with less hierarchy makes in particular for executives struggling with these questions. At the same time, I highlight how the core arguments on which Reitzig builds his insights and recommendations easily transcend to current academic discussions, and may help inspire further research on the future of organizing more broadly.