Article by Charles Handy on elephants and fleas, and how federalism can work inside organizations. Handy begins the article discussing the difference between elephants and fleas in the traditional organization, and how they are both necessary to an organization's function. He defines elephants as established organizations in the business, government, or voluntary sector, and fleas as creative individuals or groups, which include smaller independent businesses and community ventures . As Handy explains it, elephants need fleas to make sure they are constantly innovating and staying current. Likewise, fleas need elephants for the foundation they provide. Within the framework of federalism, this relationship between elephant and flea corresponds with the idea of twin citizenship, where one has two mutual loyalties - to one's own group and to the larger collective.
Handy, Charles B Handy, Elizabeth Organization theory Organizational effectiveness Organizations CriticalEye
Source
Article by Charles Handy on elephants and fleas, and how federalism can work inside organizations, 2004; Charles Handy Papers; Box 15, Folder 10; 7 pages
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