Bossless Companies: Could You Work Without a Boss?

Valve Software, creators of the video game Half-Life and social-distribution network Steam, have a "flat employee structure" -- the company doesn't have bosses or managers.

Bossless doesn't always mean flat, however. Some companies rely on "lattices" or teams instead of bosses. W.L. Gore has relied on lattice management since its founding in 1958. The company, which produces Gore-Tex and other materials, has a chief executive who admits one flaw in the flat structure. "It absolutely is less-efficient upfront," says Terri Kelly, but she added, "[But] once you have the organization behind it…the buy-in and the execution happen quickly."

Tim Clem works for GitHub. He persuaded his company to flatten its hierarchy. Tim said, "you feel like there is total trust and an element of freedom and ownership. It makes you want to do more." Other times the bossless hierarchy creates chaos.

Take a peak at Valve Software's Employee Handbook -- not your usual handbook:
That’s why Valve is flat. It’s our shorthand way of saying that we don’t have any management, and nobody “reports to” anybody else. We do have a founder/president, but even he isn’t your manager. This company is yours to
steer—toward opportunities and away from risks. You have the power to green-light projects. You have the power to ship products.

Teams of management. Democratic process. Flat hierarchies. Bossless companies. Some corporations have succeeded with employee organized processes, but it hasn't worked for all companies or employees. Some people thrive within structure. How about your ideal company?

The Wall Street Journal reports:Welcome to the bossless company, where the hierarchy is flat, pay is often determined by peers, and the workday is directed by employees themselves.