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Themes

Fiction Lab / Theme

Informal power

Where decision power moves when formal hierarchy is reduced.

Why it matters

Removing titles can make authority harder to observe and challenge rather than making it disappear.

Recurring mechanisms

1

Network centrality replaces formal role

2

Reputation allocates access and desirable work

3

Culture makes dissent costly

Five system dimensions

authority

Actual decision rights are mapped

information

Access does not depend on private networks

resources

High-status work and attention are visible

incentives

Moral status does not replace accountable role

adaptation

Influence is reviewable and contestable

Discussion prompt

Where does power move when formal hierarchy is reduced?