Qu'est-ce que l'entreprise "libérée" ?
What is the Concept of "Entreprise Libérée"?
Definition and Background
- The term "entreprise libérée" refers to hundreds of companies that have established radically different organizational forms, allowing employees complete freedom to act for the benefit of the company's vision.
- This definition raises questions about what it means for employees to be free in a corporate world characterized by dependencies and hierarchies.
- The concept began developing in the late 1980s, attributed to consultant Tom Peters, with roots tracing back to the 1930s when French trade unionist Hyacinthe Dubreuil proposed an organization based on freedom and autonomous teams.
- Authors Isa Guette and Brian Carney significantly popularized this theme through their major work "Liberté et Compagnie," which includes case studies from various European and American companies.
Growing Interest
- The idea of entreprise libérée has gained traction beyond academia, attracting attention in business schools, employer circles, and public discourse. A notable documentary titled "Le Bonheur au Travail" aired in 2015, highlighting this concept during prime time on Arte.
- It reflects inevitable changes affecting businesses and management techniques aimed at creating more humane, just, and democratic workplaces. Employees increasingly seek discussions about work organization amidst rising demands for creativity and initiative.
Key Characteristics
Three Main Features
- Opposition to Bureaucracy:
- The entreprise libérée model opposes bureaucratic structures, empowering individuals to exercise their agency and initiative within the organization.
- Focus on Vision:
- It emphasizes understanding 'why' (the vision) over 'how' (procedures), prioritizing meaningful work rather than rigid processes while maintaining a leadership role that provides direction without imposing control.
- Four Pillars:
- Equality: Practices that hinder employee engagement are minimized; hierarchical symbols like reserved parking spots are removed.
- Unity Around Common Values: Everyone actively shares company goals and strategies for achieving them.
- Self-determination & Intrinsic Motivation: Employees are not externally motivated by bonuses but thrive in environments fostering autonomy, learning opportunities, personal growth, and self-motivation.
- Sustaining Values & Culture: Leadership plays a crucial role as guardians of values that unify the group identity.
Risks Involved
- One significant risk associated with entreprise libérée is overcommitment leading to burnout; minimizing management functions places responsibility for cooperation on individuals themselves, potentially overwhelming them with expectations for engagement and collaboration.