I often find myself explaining the fundamental principles behind why all this mass collaboration is a good idea in workplaces where strict hierarchy has been the order of the day for many years. That’s why my copy of Wikinomics by Don Tapscott is now looking rather tired and dog-eared. I would recommend that anyone involved in the business of teaching others carries a copy (or two) to pass on. It is well-written, easy to read and comprenhensive, not to mention persuasive. Wikinomics succinctly captures the impact of this revolution on business and innovation in particular.

Smart companies are encouraging, rather than fighting, the heaving growth of massive online communities—many of which emerged from the fringes of the Web to attract tens of millions of participants overnight. Even ardent competitors are collaborating on path-breaking science initiatives that accelerate discovery in their industries. Indeed, as a growing number of firms see the benefits of mass collaboration, this new way of organizing will eventually displace the traditional corporate structures as the economy’s primary engine of wealth creation. Wikinomics

Fortunately, the revised and expanded edition is now out so I can justify a new copy for the bookshelf.