De-Ruling Organizations

Talking to leading practitioners in human resources this week, there is an emerging trend to de-rule organizations. De-ruling involves eliminating even sacred cows like time off policies and work hour rules. The benefit is bi-dimensional.  On one hand we reduce the financial costs of policing and mediating compliance and conflicts. On the other, we reduce the social costs of high and good performers feeling mistrusted to act like the responsible adults they are.

The prime motivation behind this movement is the simple observation that if people can't be entrusted to behave like adults, you might not want to also entrust them with your brand.