adhocracy
Structure without bureaucracy
An adhocracy is an organization that operates through flexible, informal structures rather than fixed hierarchies or standard procedures.
Teams form around specific projects, then dissolve and reconfigure as needs change.
The term contrasts with bureaucracy—where adhocracy values adaptability and improvisation, bureaucracy values consistency and protocol.
Tech startups often function as adhocracies until they scale up.
Lacking single authority
- nonhierarchicalWithout ranked levels
- horizontalParallel to the horizon
- flattenedMade smooth or level
- networkedLinked for data exchange
self-organization · participatory · collaborative · distributed · autonomy · empowerment · grassroots · polycentric
Able to bend freely
- responsiveQuick to react
- agileLimber and quick-moving
- dynamicActive and changing
- improvisationalWithout prior preparation
reactive · adjustable · resilient · versatile · reconfigurable · iterative · pivoting · emergent
Lacking imposed order
- spontaneousArising without external cause
- improvisedCreated without prior planning
- freewheelingActing without restraint
- looseNot firmly secured
casual · unofficial · unconventional · ad-hoc · makeshift · temporary · provisional · expedient
Producing original ideas
- entrepreneurialInclined to launch ventures
- disruptiveTending to interrupt order
- experimentalTesting new methods
- pioneeringFirst to explore territory
inventive · risk-taking · ideation · brainstorming · prototyping · startup · skunkworks · moonshot
decentralized
Lacking single authority
- nonhierarchicalWithout ranked levels
- horizontalParallel to the horizon
- flattenedMade smooth or level
networked · self-organization · participatory · collaborative · distributed · autonomy · empowerment · grassroots · polycentric · peer-to-peer
flexible
Able to bend freely
- responsiveQuick to react
- agileLimber and quick-moving
- dynamicActive and changing
improvisational · reactive · adjustable · resilient · versatile · reconfigurable · iterative · pivoting · emergent · evolving
unstructured
Lacking imposed order
- spontaneousArising without external cause
- improvisedCreated without prior planning
- freewheelingActing without restraint
loose · casual · unofficial · unconventional · ad-hoc · makeshift · temporary · provisional · expedient · stopgap
creative
Producing original ideas
- entrepreneurialInclined to launch ventures
- disruptiveTending to interrupt order
- experimentalTesting new methods
pioneering · inventive · risk-taking · ideation · brainstorming · prototyping · startup · skunkworks · moonshot · breakthrough
hierarchy
Ranked authority structure
- oligarchyRule by few
- corporatocracyRule by business interests
adhocracybureaucracy
Rigid administrative system
hierarchy · command structure · chain of command · centralized authority · corporate hierarchy
adhocracyred tape
Bureaucratic obstacles to action
standard operating procedure · formalism · systematization · central planning · micromanagement
democracy, ad hoc, aristocracy, bureaucracy, autocracy, plutocracy, theocracy, meritocracy, technocracy