... Jim:

>> it is will eventually be impossible to run an organization were various
>> factions are running doing whatever they chose without any central control.

The bigger the organization, the GREATER the need for decentralization. A large organization, made up of people in widely varying geographical areas, with differing interests and needs, cannot be effectively run by "central control".

One person can always agree with himself. Two people, even if they have generally compatible ideas, will sometimes disagree with each other (if you doubt that, check with your wife). Once the group gets to half a dozen, frequent disagreements are inevitable.

With thousands of members, it is imperative that good people be found at the local level -- and that these good people be given considerable latitude in how they are going to operate their small portion of the group. The interests and needs of all local groups will not be the same. For the large group to survive and prosper, the component parts MUST have the flexibility to meet their unique interests and needs.

This is why generals command armies and sergeants command squads. And why generals give their men missions, but (the good ones, at least) let their subordinate commanders decide how to carry out those missions.

----- jim o\-S