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Organization, Strategic Organization Article, push systems
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Article at a glance:

From push to pull: The next frontier of innovation

  • Most companies now mobilize resources by deploying push systems, in the mistaken belief that they promote efficiency.
  • Push systems—characterized by top-down, centralized, and rigid programs of previously specified tasks and behavior—hinder participation in the distributed networks that are now indispensable to competitive advantage.
  • More versatile and far-reaching pull systems—characterized by modularly designed, decentralized platforms connecting a diverse array of participants—are now starting to emerge in a variety of arenas.
  • As pull systems reach center stage, executives will have to reassess almost all aspects of the corporation.
This article includes the following exhibit:
  • Exhibit: Push systems vs. pull systems

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