Spider and the Starfish

1. In the seventeenth century, why were the Spaniards unable to defeat the Apaches? What implications does this have concerning current, or future organizational competition?

The Spaniards defeated the Apaches due to being decentralized. Unlike the other native civilizations, the Apaches didn’t have a specific leader that couldbe targeted. Similarly, current and future organizations with a clear set hierarchy are easier to target and be taken down by competitors.

2. Briefly compare and contrast centralized and decentralized organizations.

Centralized organizations such as Fortune 500 companies have a hierarchy; chain of command, while decentralized organizations, such as file sharers on Wikipedia, or Napster, are comprised of a collective of individuals who share duties and information across the entire body (group).

3. List a few of the traits of a decentralized organization.

The leader is not followed or obeyed. If one leader falls, another is appointed. The leader’s role is to push the organization in the right direction instead of giving orders.

4. From a technical perspective, what is the primary difference between Napster and Kazza?

Napster had a centralized servers from which users had to log onto to share files. Kazza had no central server; users had direct access to each other’s' computers.

5. Is this reading relevant to the current competition between new organizations such as Uber and Lyft and existing taxi companies? Why or why not?

In a way yes, this reading is relevant to the taxi industry vs. Uber and Lyft. The taxi industry is heavily regulated with background checks for drivers, as well as required insurance payments for the taxis provided, while Uber and Lyft are more lenient; just about anybody can become a driver for either company, with the exception of criminal background checks for Lyft drivers. Also, Uber and Lyft don't have to pay to insure the cars that provide their services.