In reply to Ara Ohanian.

I agree that hierarchies are practical to get work done. I just don't think they should be the overarching structure for the organization. There is still responsibility & accountability, but authority is distributed as things change. Jon Husband's article [no longer online] shows a different metaphor, fishnets:

"The fishnet is flexible; it can form and re-form varied patterns of connection. The middle manager may at one time be at the apex, at another in the middle. The fishnet organization rearranges itself quickly while retaining its inherent strength."