NCW in theory and practice : a human factors perspective on why it might work and why we might not get there

Abstract

This report delves into some Human Factor issues pertaining to the organizational development towards Network Centric Warfare (NCW). It underlines the importance of a holistic approach, as organizational development rarely is successful without an understanding of, and sensitivity to, the human beings involved. The report focuses mainly on three organizational variables defined in the NCW concept: Flattening of the organizational hierarchy, decentralization of decision-making, and self-organization- and synchronization of forces. These are evaluated against prior experience with established organizational forms. Then there is a look at current development and its possible consequences.