Wikipedia: a self-organizing bureaucracy

Many authors have argued that digital technologies enable collaboration without central oversight or authority, obviating the need for hierarchical bureaucracies characterize industrial capitalism. In this context, Wikipedia is often mentioned as a paradigmatic example. We draw on classical accounts of Robert Michels and Max Weber to study mechanisms pushing towards away from power concentration bureaucratization. Our historical analysis bureaucratization in based 118 conversations interviews well extensive archival research. While most studies only consider online encyclopedia itself, we also scrutinize Wikimedia Foundation. uncovers alternating processes diffusion. observe reasons anticipated by Michels, find strong counter-tendencies. Consequently, does not follow an ‘iron law’ but contingent outcome struggles among stakeholders. line with Weber, identify process progressive This result pursuit organizational manageability, quest democratic equality minimization domination well. introduce concept self-organizing highlight how unintended emergent efforts increase accountability.