On the design of complex organizations and distributive algorithms

AbstractTo realize a specified goal in a distributive fashion efficiently, there needs to be an appropriate “division of labor.” This is true for distributive algorithms that take advantage of the concurrent features of the new generation of computers. This is true in the design of a complex organization intended to realize a specified goal. The problem is to determine what is the appropriate division of labor. Here, a geometric characterization of all possible divisions of labor, or communication networks, is given. It is illustrated how this characterization can be used to design the communication networks