There are primarily 2 ways of running systems:
Ideology- driven & Control- driven.
Control- driven might look more efficient or fast, but they function by stifling and are hence limited, both by the scope of control as well as the lifetime of the controller, beyond which they are doomed to crumble. Plus, for want of honest feedback, they're at greater risk of going horribly wrong, even at the slightest deviation, since there's little scope for timely course correction.
On the other hand, ideology percolates slowly. But as it nourishes/ builds the institution, the system becomes self- sustaining & automated. Also, the institution continues to evolve by collective wisdom pouring in through open & accessible channels of feedback (though filters need to be in place for effective selection!). Ultimately, the ideology not just outgrows & outlives its pioneer, but also ends up reaching far wider than what one person's field of vision could have ever been.

For instance, Democracy vs Dictatorship.
Control- driven systems may achieve better Compliance, but ideology- driven systems function on intrinsic motivation and thus, achieve better Engagement.
I feel, control- driven approach might be more convenient or suitable to the controller, but for the system, institutions built on foundations of ideology are healthier, more so in the long run.




#system #problems #ideology #control #idea #institution #process #democracy

© Adarsh Bhardwaj