Sustainable Organization Framework for Technology Development (SOFT)
An Alternative organizational structure for futuristic technology development organizations
Last updated
An Alternative organizational structure for futuristic technology development organizations
Last updated
Author(s): Aravind S
Updated: June 04, 2023
Version: 2.1
First draft: December, 2022
This is a working draft and may have changes in the next revisions. If you are interested in contributing, please email soft@21n.io
Organizations focused on exit strategies and profit, often funded by venture capitalists, can prioritize short-term gains over long-term sustainability of the planet and well-being of people. As the world becomes increasingly digitized and data-driven, there is a growing concern about how the privacy and well-being of individuals are being impacted by next-generation technologies.
Futuristic technologies like neurotech devices, nano sized body sensors, deep wearables are on the rise. These can collect very sensitive personal data of the users. While these technologies have the potential to revolutionize fields such as healthcare, they also raise significant ethical and privacy concerns.
In the quest for user engagement and attention, companies may collect and use sensitive personal data, without obtaining appropriate consent or ensuring proper security measures. This can result in significant risks to individuals' privacy and well-being, including identity theft, cyberbullying, and other forms of online abuse. The unregulated use of these technologies can lead to negative impacts on individuals' mental and physical health, including the potential for addiction, anxiety, and other psychological harms. In addition, the use of these technologies can exacerbate existing social and economic inequalities, as those who lack access to or cannot afford such technologies may be left behind.
Moreover, the profit-centric approach to technology is contributing to environmental degradation. The unchecked growth of digital infrastructure, for example, can lead to an increase in energy consumption, resource depletion and e-waste, which can harm both the natural environment and human health. A short list of planetary issues is compiled here: .
As the younger generation enters the workforce, they are increasingly seeking jobs that offer not just financial stability, but also a sense of purpose, fulfillment, and self-actualization. This shift in priorities is challenging traditional top-down companies that prioritize profit over employee well-being and fulfillment.
In today's competitive job market, companies that want to attract and retain top talent must offer more than just a paycheck. They must create a work environment that fosters creativity, innovation, and collaboration, and provides opportunities for personal and professional growth. Such companies understand that employee fulfillment is not just a nice-to-have, but a critical component of a healthy and sustainable organization.
The rise of decentralized, algorithmic, and shared economies has led to unprecedented levels of innovation and productivity. However, to fully realize the potential of these new paradigms, a new organizational and production structure is required. Exponential Organizations, as described in the book of the same name, offer a blueprint for this new structure. These organizations leverage cutting-edge technologies and business models to achieve rapid growth and innovation. They are characterized by a focus on purpose-driven goals, a decentralized decision-making process, and a culture of experimentation and learning.
To enable faster production times of software products, companies can adopt the principles of an Exponential Organization. This includes leveraging emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and blockchain, creating a culture of innovation and collaboration, adopting a decentralized decision-making process with autonomous nano teams, and leveraging the power of crowdsourcing and collaboration to accelerate the development process.
The Sustainable Organization Framework for Technology Development (SOFT) is a proposed alternative organizational framework that seeks to prioritize sustainable and ethical practices that take into account the well-being and privacy of individuals, as well as the efficient use of planetary resources for technology development companies. The SOFT structure enables faster technology production cycles without compromising the planet and social aspects.
A SOFT organization is a combination of a cooperative organization and a business incubator with its primary function as building and maintaining technology products including but not limited to computer software, hardware etc. A SOFT based organization is made up of members who are the driving force behind the organization and include producers, maintainers, and consumers of the products produced by the organization. A SOFT org can be incorporated as a Cooperative entity legally but will function according to the implementation plan depicted in this paper.
The products produced at a SOFT org operates through a life cycle that ensure efficient production and management. These life cycle stages include conception, development, production, maintenance, and retirement. At each stage, members collaborate using digital collaboration tools to foster rapid development while ensuring optimal planetary efficiency, resource planning, and allocation.
The organizational structure of SOFT promotes a sense of purpose and self-actualization among members, allowing them to work together towards a common goal or develop new innovative software solutions. This model encourages a more sustainable and equitable approach to technology development and production. Any organization can implement the SOFT framework to promote more efficient and cooperative technology production.