[meesterdude]

> The time tested old school way to avoid this problem is to limit openness and impose internal structure. The long lasting subcultures of old, namely the ancient mystery schools and the fraternal orders that flourished from the Renaissance until roughly the post-WWII era, were initiatory orders with oaths, degrees, and governing bodies.

A thoughtful and interesting observation. I wonder how much truth there is to it. It also makes me wonder if "flat structure" companies face any kind of similar problems.

[api]

I have heard that. Open organizations with no inner or outer boundaries tend to become pathocracies -- ruled by psychopaths and other pathological abusive personality types. Hierarchy can facilitate abuse, but it can also be a tool for limiting and mitigating abuse. In its formal absence, abusers are free to assert it using deception and intimidation.