On assumed democracy

Sparked by Maslow's questions (see below) I note that we assume quite deliberately that democracy is the ideal state for human society. Yet, those proponents of democracy in social life are not arguing for democracy in the workplace. Why?

Of course, there is a host of "business" reasons brought to bear. This implies, then, that one cannot effectively run a business democratically. How, then, can one run an effective country in such a way?

Such a question seems to bring out reaction, not to question democratic orietnatino for societ, but to redefine democracy in business. Servant leadership concepts, employee engagement programs, self-managing communities of practices and an extended variety of approaches are raised as "evidence" of the democratisation of organisations. It's an illusion that serves mostly to obscure the fact that business remains undemocratic, despite vociferous arguments that democracy is "not perfect but the best" system that can be in the larger scheme of things.

Perhaps there is no irony, after all, in observing that the loudest proponents for democracy are manifestly undemocratic. Then one looks at the underlying motivations--never mind what the system is called--what is it for?

The United States within the Americas comes to mind. So does China. Food for thought.