10. Officescapes

(Two colleagues talking at work. They are sharing courses. One had attended a course on Savings and Investment during the last session and shared his notes. And the other one is currently attending a course in Office Dynamics. Their tone is low, probably to avoid disclosure.) 

A: “How was the first class?”

B: “We introduced ourselves and described our offices. Then we learnt about different office landscapes. Here, I have the notes.” (Hands over a notebook with NILS logo on top)

A (Looking at the notes): “Icebergs, mountains? What do they have to do with an office?”

B: “Those are called Officescapes, based on the hierarchical structures. There are four types broadly. The Mountain is where the boss is visibly at the top and everybody knows that his word is law. In the Canyon Officescape, you do not see the boss so directly, but he has a deep impact on every policy. Just like a canyon you cannot see it from the field afar, but when you are actually in it, you can see how deep it goes.

A: “Why would a boss not show himself?”

B: “I don’t know. This seems to be a new fad.”

A (looking at the notes and thinking): “And this Iceberg hierarchy is where the boss is visible but you do not realize his real power and connections because he does not show his hand.”

B: “Yes and this mostly happens in the lower levels of a corporate ladder. The directors do not mind showing their power, but the team leaders and middle management do not want to disclose their clout to others. They show a little to get people’s respect, but keep the most of it under wraps. Hence, Iceberg.”

A: “And the dessert has no hierarchy?”

B: “Yes, the Dessert Officescape has no hierarchy and no clear direction of authority. One has to find his or her own way through the terrain. If you are lucky and persistent you become successful, or else you go round and round in the same place.

A: “Complete stagnation?”

B: “Yes. Keep the notes. We will talk again later.”