The Basis of Organization: Cells, Humans and Multi-Humans

“Organizations” exist across different scales- molecules, viruses, single cells, multi-cellular living beings, and business firms. Building on the knowledge developed in basic sciences and social sciences, we present a framework to understand the similarities in the long-term strategies of all organizations. These similarities also guide the actions of both humans and groups of humans- companies, social movements and countries. We start with the nature of competition. The largest source of uncertainty for any being comes from the actions of others that are the most similar to it. For football players, it is other football players, including team-members who play in the same position. For companies, it is other similar-sized companies in the same industry and geography. Is it better to cooperate rather than to compete? To lead a long and uneventful life, rather than a short and eventful one? This is why some of us cooperate and create organizations. However, we still need “safe” competitions to establish hierarchy and share rewards. These in-system competitions take real effort, but eliminate death (which happens in the “wild”). Nurture collegiate athletics. Buying paintings. This framework also explains other related topics- symbiotic beings, predators, scavengers, and death. It is a lens through which to understand current and emerging super-organizations. It also provides a set of rules to guide long-term strategy at all scales.