[history, psychology] Cubicles

[bridgetester]

Cubicles: The great mistake
Julie Schlosserhttp://money.cnn.com/2006/03/09/magazines/fortune/cubicle_howiwork_fortune/index.htmRead more... )

Comments

Democracy, groupthink, and other egalitarian collectivist nonsense

[montecristo]

In an article titled "Dilbertville For Dummies," Karen De Coster, a columnist I frequently read, cited this very article to discuss the topic of cubicles as symptomatic of groupthink. She points out the effects of Unintended Consequences experienced by eager "social engineers."

As a CPA formerly engaged in corporate tax work, I indeed agree that one of the slayers of individuality in the workplace - and thus the coming of the dreaded cubicle - is the tax law debacle, which coaxed corporations away from larger office space consisting of many offices, and toward smaller office space with a more "creative" way of packing it all in. Thus less of an expense depreciated over a long term, and more in the short term. Corporations, of course, are always reinventing accounting, business strategies, and culture to conform to State edict. One can look almost anywhere within the corporation - from operations to cultural characteristics - and trace its worst features back to State diktat. Just look at how tax laws and stock options changed the

Re: Democracy, groupthink, and other egalitarian collectivist nonsense

[bridgetester]

Interesting article, but I do believe it's possible to have some level of social engineering (people or courts) that can benefit. For instance, desegregation, advocacy groups, LJ communities, etc.

The majority can be wrong, but the majority can also be right.

Re: Democracy, groupthink, and other egalitarian collectivist nonsense

[montecristo]

Desegregation is a change in form masquerading as a change in substance.

Forced association is just as immoral, and as socially pernicious, as forced dissociation.

I would point out that LJ communities are voluntary, but even so, the ones organized on egalitarian/collectivist premises are probably fools' errands.

[jdotmi]

I read that one on CNN I think and I was really amused by it (working in cube-hell myself). It's ironic that they were designed to give workers more space and privacy, yet at my job we just got our cube walls cut down vertically and lost 3/4 of our cube space in a remodel. That's what happens when you scrunch 50% more techs in a space that was already getting to be too small for those that were in it.

[ladydiana]

Hm.

I actually like my cube.

However....it's good sized, and it's really the first *desk* I've ever had of my own in my entire work career.

It does have it's drawbacks; I'm absolutely neurotic about people being able to look over my shoulder and that's the only angle the cube permits. I also sit under a terribly bright flourescent light, which I detest, and wish I could drape something over top of it.

But it's better than trying to work on the counter like I did for years, and not having anywhere to file anything or being able to post anything on the walls.