Definition

Noun: 1. A flexible, adaptive, and often temporary organizational structure that emphasizes responsiveness and innovation over formal rules and hierarchy. It is characterized by a lack of rigid bureaucracy, allowing teams to form and disband quickly to address specific tasks or problems.

Examples of Usage

• The tech startup operated as an adhocracy, with teams forming spontaneously to tackle new projects.
• The rapid response to the crisis required a move toward adhocracy, bypassing normal departmental protocols.
• In an adhocracy, decision-making power is often decentralized and based on expertise rather than title.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used in contrast to "bureaucracy." It describes a managerial or organizational philosophy that prioritizes agility.
• "to move toward adhocracy": to adopt more flexible, less structured working methods.
  • The large corporation is trying to move toward adhocracy to become more innovative.

Variants and Related Words

• Adhocratic (adj): Having the characteristics of an adhocracy.
  • The team's adhocratic approach allowed for quick experimentation.

Synonyms

• Flexible organization
• Non-bureaucratic structure
• Organic structure (in management theory)

Related Phrases

• Network organization: A similar concept emphasizing informal connections over formal hierarchy.
• Task force: A temporary group formed for a specific purpose, often operating within an adhocratic framework.

Noun

1. an organization with little or no structure
   • the choice between bureaucracy and adhocracy represents a common dilemma
   • the need for informational flexibility can lead to adhocracy