I HOPE that many of these companies will work with a ROWE (Results Only Work Environment) approach. Isn’t that what matters? That the work gets done. Theoretically, wouldn’t social systems increase the likelihood that jobs got completely more efficiently?

I suspect more virtual, but I think there’s typically a place for the face-to-face interactions at well. I think this will largely depend on the industry as well.

I doubt we see the end of mega-corporations, but I do think we’ll see more niche (whether that’s regional or otherwise) players have a bigger impact in the next 5 years.

I think innovation does increase, significantly. “Emergent outcomes.”

It’s definitely complicated, and I’ve only scratched the surface here, but I think prior to the systems and training, the vast majority of big companies will need a complete culture overhaul. From top down, and bottom up. It will be interesting to watch how social business design continues to progress.

I think that social business works both for and against employees. All the points you bring up are EXCELLENT, but they all focus on ways that hard working, intelligent and genuine people will get ahead. These are people who will use any tools at their disposal, not just social business. I agree, however, that for the first time in a long time these people are getting recognized more than the people who are just “really good” at playing “the game.”

I also think that social business will begin to erode some of the relationships “built” within companies. I’ve seen many people either ingenuine, lazy or just plain oblivious attempt to “build relationships” using social business tools. Mid-level management talking about how they “really are friends” with the regional VP of operations because he accepted her request on FB. (I wish I was making this up…) Then being extremely frustrated and confused as he posts for 4 promotions and isn’t hired for any, cause “I know what they want…I’m friends with all of them!”

Additionally, you will always have those people that are just smooth and savvy and much craftier than any of the hard working intelligent driven folks. Many of the same people who have learned to manipulate the current system will eventually learn how to manipulate the social business system. And especially while we have management and executives that may not use it (or if they do, really use it correctly)

Social business IS the next thing to really affect the performance, advancement and relationships of employees (both laterally and vertically) but I don’t think enough people know how to use it TRULY effectively to monopolize all the benefits you outline above.

Inter-disciplinary thinking will become more critical

The bees who cross-pollinate successfully will be in greater demand

Which means college degrees will matter less in the future, on-the-job experience and attitude will matter more

Not sure about:

How will this effect the way people get paid – hourly/ weekly or on end project results?

More virtual or face-to-face work environments?

The end of the mega-corporations and the rise of [smaller] regional majors aligned with similar groups across the world – flexible, cost efficient and constantly on the move?

Will the pace of innovation increase?

And finally what does it mean for people on the move?

will the number of people moving across the world for better careers/ lives be greater than ever or will there be a remarkable reduction with virtual offices

in other words, is the world a village again?

more questions than answers

I’m guessing power distribution will not be a company-customer thing only, it will also happen within the company. Transparency, communication and morale will be the pillar’s of tomorrow’s (today’s?) business.

I’ll think more about this, you’ve made some excelent points. Great work man.
Carlos Miceli´s last blog ..The Better Choice

Thanks for the reply. The questions you bring up are definitely at the core of this issue and most likely, they aren’t questions that we can fully answer on our own. It is our job to be ambassadors to others in our workplaces, educating others about the value of internal social tool adoption.

With time, I think we’ll see dramatic changes in the way businesses operate, both internally and externally, with the adoption of advanced listening and communication tools and technologies. For now, we can only act as participants, listening, sharing and communicating with each other, proving to others the value of this type of work and actively playing a role in shaping the way this will roll out into mainstream.
Justin Boone´s last blog ..The paddle and the ball

For a large company though, how much time and cost would be involved in setting up necessary systems and training employees to use them?

Great post, and hope you blog about it again soon
Pcambron´s last blog ..UNDER CONSTRUCTION