What do you think?
Rate this book
One from Many: VISA and the Rise of Chaordic Organization
Far more than a riveting inside story of the creation of VISA—now the largest commercial enterprise on earth— One from Many is an absorbing story of personal and institutional transformation. Lyrical, profound, often humorous, it explores the ever-increasing change, complex societal problems, and failing institutions that confront us all. Dee Hock chronicles the emergence of a new form of organization that blends chaos and order, which may be critical to a livable future, and shows how it is emerging in such effective organizations as VISA, the Internet, World Weather Watch, and Alcoholics Anonymous. A beautiful blend of history, biography, and philosophy, One from Many not only challenges the way we think about organizations, management, and our relationship to the natural world, it's a rollicking fine story as well.
336 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2000
99 people are currently reading
2,000 people want to read
About the author
Dee Hock
7books22followersDee Ward Hock is the founder and former CEO of the Visa credit card association.
More information:
More information:
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
December 17, 2013
Amazing read. My personal summary -
The 400 year-old industrial age is rattling in its deathbed. Organizational templates of hierarchy, command, and control, equal now in destructiveness and age, must be allowed to perish. In its place, new forms of chaordic cooperation and and competition must emerge that design for human ingenuity, and opt for decentralization as a means to robustness and responsibility. Dee Hock captures all of this succinctly, woven it into a deeply personal narrative that bears credence to his philosophy.
The 400 year-old industrial age is rattling in its deathbed. Organizational templates of hierarchy, command, and control, equal now in destructiveness and age, must be allowed to perish. In its place, new forms of chaordic cooperation and and competition must emerge that design for human ingenuity, and opt for decentralization as a means to robustness and responsibility. Dee Hock captures all of this succinctly, woven it into a deeply personal narrative that bears credence to his philosophy.
Read
January 19, 2009One of my all time favorites on what it means to be an effective leader. Its NOT what you think!
September 10, 2019
Its so refreshing to hear Dee Hock's struggle with organizations that value procedure over purpose, and method over results.
I've dealt with it every day in the USMC for the last 6 years and i find his insight humorous and very descriptive. Hes able to put words arounds ideas ive been thinking but unable to describe.
I've dealt with it every day in the USMC for the last 6 years and i find his insight humorous and very descriptive. Hes able to put words arounds ideas ive been thinking but unable to describe.
November 29, 2013
Brilliant and insanely important.
My business hero.
My business hero.
July 22, 2024
"One from Many" by Dee Hock chronicles his journey from a disillusioned banker to the visionary behind Visa International, emphasizing the transformative power of chaordic systems—a blend of chaos and order that fosters self-organization. This concept revolutionized the financial sector and offers a model for other industries seeking sustainable, adaptable success. The book presents a roadmap for entrepreneurs and executives to harness the collective power of decentralized organizations.
Hock's departure from the corporate world in 1984 to tend to his farm marked the beginning of a deep reflection on interconnectedness and the limitations of conventional, mechanistic views of organizations. He believed that life and business transcended mere measurements and saw the need for a new organizational model. The 1960s banking sector, characterized by bureaucracy and inefficiency, was ripe for transformation. Hock envisioned a system that empowered individuals by decentralizing decision-making, creating a harmonious blend of chaos and order—what he termed "chaordic organization." Hock's upbringing, marked by moments of both compassion and harshness, instilled in him the importance of aligning values with actions. This perspective shaped his leadership style, emphasizing the necessity for organizations to reflect the principles of hard work, community, and resourcefulness. He believed that true leadership comes from collective wisdom rather than individual decisions. Hock's experience highlighted the importance of ensuring that institutions embody the values they profess.
In 1965, Hock found himself disillusioned and working at the National Bank of Commerce (NBC). Despite initially viewing the role as a step back, Hock saw an opportunity to revolutionize the credit card industry. He and his partner, Bob Cummings, recognized the flaws in the existing system and the potential for a major overhaul. Hock's leadership during a crisis, where he involved all staff in solving a processing error, exemplified his belief in collective effort. Hock realized that the banking industry's problems couldn't be solved by adding more staff or machinery; instead, a fundamental shift in the entire credit card processing network was needed. This shift required trust, collaboration, and a shared commitment to a common goal—key components of chaordic organization. In 1968, the banking world was chaotic, with rampant fraud and manual processes. Hock proposed a radical solution: a cooperative enterprise that allowed member banks to collaborate and address common challenges together. This idea led to the rebranding of National BankAmericard to Visa in 1976. Visa's success lay in devising uniform methods for monitoring fraud and transaction costs, fostering trust among member banks, and creating a global payment system. Hock's vision of chaordic transformation laid the groundwork for Visa's revolutionary approach to finance, demonstrating that businesses must adapt and evolve to thrive in a constantly changing world.
Hock and his colleagues faced skepticism and opposition as they sought to revolutionize the industry. However, by focusing on principles like distributed power and adaptability, they created a sense of connection among member institutions through shared purpose and community. Visa's leadership embraced openness and fairness, encouraging people to unlock their potential rather than demanding obedience. Over time, this approach transformed banking chaos into a sense of community and established Visa as a groundbreaking payment system. Hock's dedication to uniting thousands of banks within a single cooperative entity led to Visa's international success. The chaordic structure allowed banks to explore innovative ideas and thrive. However, the transition required a profound change, and Visa missed an opportunity to include merchants and cardholders as owners, which would have further aligned with chaordic principles. Despite this, Hock's commitment to chaordic thinking showed that businesses must adapt and evolve like nature's cycle of renewal. Visa's success lies in its chaordic structure, which resembles the harmony of a flock of birds rather than traditional hierarchies. This self-organizing system fosters collaboration and adaptability, allowing Visa to thrive in a complex, interconnected world. Visa's commitment to transparency and trust led to more engaged staff meetings and an inclusive environment, showcasing the importance of innovative approaches and continuous learning.
Dee Hock's tenure as CEO showcased the strength of chaordic principles, and Visa's success proved that self-organizing systems could deliver more effective, long-term results than traditional control systems. Chaordic organization promises a future where the collective triumphs over the individual, opening new paths to success. As industries face constant change, embracing chaordic principles may be the key to thriving in an ever-evolving world. Hock's journey underscores the power of decentralized collaboration and the importance of aligning values with actions. His vision of chaordic organization offers a model for sustainable, adaptable success, encouraging leaders to foster environments where collective wisdom can flourish. As businesses navigate the complexities of the modern world, the lessons from "One from Many" provide valuable insights for creating resilient, innovative organizations.
Hock's departure from the corporate world in 1984 to tend to his farm marked the beginning of a deep reflection on interconnectedness and the limitations of conventional, mechanistic views of organizations. He believed that life and business transcended mere measurements and saw the need for a new organizational model. The 1960s banking sector, characterized by bureaucracy and inefficiency, was ripe for transformation. Hock envisioned a system that empowered individuals by decentralizing decision-making, creating a harmonious blend of chaos and order—what he termed "chaordic organization." Hock's upbringing, marked by moments of both compassion and harshness, instilled in him the importance of aligning values with actions. This perspective shaped his leadership style, emphasizing the necessity for organizations to reflect the principles of hard work, community, and resourcefulness. He believed that true leadership comes from collective wisdom rather than individual decisions. Hock's experience highlighted the importance of ensuring that institutions embody the values they profess.
In 1965, Hock found himself disillusioned and working at the National Bank of Commerce (NBC). Despite initially viewing the role as a step back, Hock saw an opportunity to revolutionize the credit card industry. He and his partner, Bob Cummings, recognized the flaws in the existing system and the potential for a major overhaul. Hock's leadership during a crisis, where he involved all staff in solving a processing error, exemplified his belief in collective effort. Hock realized that the banking industry's problems couldn't be solved by adding more staff or machinery; instead, a fundamental shift in the entire credit card processing network was needed. This shift required trust, collaboration, and a shared commitment to a common goal—key components of chaordic organization. In 1968, the banking world was chaotic, with rampant fraud and manual processes. Hock proposed a radical solution: a cooperative enterprise that allowed member banks to collaborate and address common challenges together. This idea led to the rebranding of National BankAmericard to Visa in 1976. Visa's success lay in devising uniform methods for monitoring fraud and transaction costs, fostering trust among member banks, and creating a global payment system. Hock's vision of chaordic transformation laid the groundwork for Visa's revolutionary approach to finance, demonstrating that businesses must adapt and evolve to thrive in a constantly changing world.
Hock and his colleagues faced skepticism and opposition as they sought to revolutionize the industry. However, by focusing on principles like distributed power and adaptability, they created a sense of connection among member institutions through shared purpose and community. Visa's leadership embraced openness and fairness, encouraging people to unlock their potential rather than demanding obedience. Over time, this approach transformed banking chaos into a sense of community and established Visa as a groundbreaking payment system. Hock's dedication to uniting thousands of banks within a single cooperative entity led to Visa's international success. The chaordic structure allowed banks to explore innovative ideas and thrive. However, the transition required a profound change, and Visa missed an opportunity to include merchants and cardholders as owners, which would have further aligned with chaordic principles. Despite this, Hock's commitment to chaordic thinking showed that businesses must adapt and evolve like nature's cycle of renewal. Visa's success lies in its chaordic structure, which resembles the harmony of a flock of birds rather than traditional hierarchies. This self-organizing system fosters collaboration and adaptability, allowing Visa to thrive in a complex, interconnected world. Visa's commitment to transparency and trust led to more engaged staff meetings and an inclusive environment, showcasing the importance of innovative approaches and continuous learning.
Dee Hock's tenure as CEO showcased the strength of chaordic principles, and Visa's success proved that self-organizing systems could deliver more effective, long-term results than traditional control systems. Chaordic organization promises a future where the collective triumphs over the individual, opening new paths to success. As industries face constant change, embracing chaordic principles may be the key to thriving in an ever-evolving world. Hock's journey underscores the power of decentralized collaboration and the importance of aligning values with actions. His vision of chaordic organization offers a model for sustainable, adaptable success, encouraging leaders to foster environments where collective wisdom can flourish. As businesses navigate the complexities of the modern world, the lessons from "One from Many" provide valuable insights for creating resilient, innovative organizations.
November 29, 2020
This book is an unsung gem. The scale & success of Visa as a technologicsl, societal and and capitalist project is impressive in its own right. How many $500Bn organizations can you name?
But even more impactful are the principles of organizational theory and human behavior that made it possible - and the improvement possible (desperately needed !) across our failing institutions that is implied in this thinking.
Hock argues persuasively that we continue to apply outdated metaphors of the industrial revolution - specifically, the machine - to our organizations and institutions. And worse, this top-down, command and control style is demonstrably failing - evidenced by the great problems of our time (rampant inequality, destruction of the planet, failing institutions.
In describing the principles and creation of Visa - a competitive but cooperative, distributed, decentralized organization modeled after nature rather than machine - Hock unlocks a profound and compelling vision for human collaboration. The ramifications could not be bigger.
But even more impactful are the principles of organizational theory and human behavior that made it possible - and the improvement possible (desperately needed !) across our failing institutions that is implied in this thinking.
Hock argues persuasively that we continue to apply outdated metaphors of the industrial revolution - specifically, the machine - to our organizations and institutions. And worse, this top-down, command and control style is demonstrably failing - evidenced by the great problems of our time (rampant inequality, destruction of the planet, failing institutions.
In describing the principles and creation of Visa - a competitive but cooperative, distributed, decentralized organization modeled after nature rather than machine - Hock unlocks a profound and compelling vision for human collaboration. The ramifications could not be bigger.
December 20, 2022
A strange memoir that is heavy on Dee Hock’s personal philosophies, and light on details of his time at Visa. The book is mostly concerned with how chaordic organizations can help arrest Hock’s perception of widespread organizations failures.
Hock believes in a model of organization in which a cooperative sketches out principles which help organize a large number of independent industry participants. In this organizational structure, there is no command and control, the organization is run for the benefit of its participants. No one controls the organization and no participant has undue influence on its operations. Visa is sort of organized like this, or was in the early days.
The book helps one appreciate what Hock sees in self-organizing companies, but stops short of explaining how to set one up or run one. The book also takes strange tangents into metaphysics, which I wish were replaced by more anecdotes about the founding of Visa.
Hock believes in a model of organization in which a cooperative sketches out principles which help organize a large number of independent industry participants. In this organizational structure, there is no command and control, the organization is run for the benefit of its participants. No one controls the organization and no participant has undue influence on its operations. Visa is sort of organized like this, or was in the early days.
The book helps one appreciate what Hock sees in self-organizing companies, but stops short of explaining how to set one up or run one. The book also takes strange tangents into metaphysics, which I wish were replaced by more anecdotes about the founding of Visa.
August 23, 2022
Very cool - not a book about Visa per se but more about a systems thinking book - Dee Hock is kinda my new hero - he hates (hated RIP) big bureaucratic soulless corporations that people end up hating - such a visionary - some all time favourite quotes 'educed Behaviour' is a really cool leadership concept versus the old school command and control environments of the Industrial Age of induced behaviour. Visa would not exist if it weren't for this free independent thinking country bumpkin outsider shaking up the financial world... CRESTI! RIP Dee Hock what a man.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 3, 2019
A great story with many great concepts. Dee Hock will be recognized as a pioneer in years to come for a movement that is still in its early stages. Dee calls it the Chaordic Organization while Harrison Owen calls it the Interactive Organization. There are ideas and inspiration in the story for anyone interested in self-organization, self-management and in unleashing the human spirit in the workplace in general.
November 2, 2020
This book was a mixed bag for me. I definitely enjoyed some parts, such as the recounting of Dee spinning out Visa from BankAmericard and getting financial institutions to sign up for this thing. Other parts could have been articulated better or were just a little too out-there for me.
Dee has enough credibility for me to try and figure out these concepts of complexity and chaordic organization. I wasn't sold from this book alone, but it might turn out to be a good primer for future studies.
Dee has enough credibility for me to try and figure out these concepts of complexity and chaordic organization. I wasn't sold from this book alone, but it might turn out to be a good primer for future studies.
February 28, 2021
This book iswritten by Hock, who was one of the founders and the first Chief Executiveof the Visa International financial company. The book is a blend of memoir, business, and philosophy all in one. The story of how Visa came to be as company in the 1970's is amazing in and of itself, but Dee Hock's musings on the analogies between business and nature is quite thought provoking. I loved this book so much and I will reference many learnings from it for years to come.
Read
December 21, 2020This book is years ahead of its time. Dee Hock is one of the most authentic and value driven individuals I have ever encountered. The book is a mix of autobiography, innovation and entrepreneurship.
It is a different book in the context of modern day books, but it is an essential one.
As a consultant working in change and innovation, this is a must read, written in a very poetic style.
Enjoy.
It is a different book in the context of modern day books, but it is an essential one.
As a consultant working in change and innovation, this is a must read, written in a very poetic style.
Enjoy.
July 24, 2021
It has its moments and relies heavily on the philosophical anecdotes to every day aspects of running an organisation. Overall, a good read if you can fast forward through some pages and truly invest in the authors way of looking at things! Biggest takeaway is the unique nature of chaordic structures and it’s effectiveness across structures!
September 2, 2021
This is one of the most inspiring books that I have read--especially as it relates to organizational change, which is widely discussed but rarely accomplished. Hock writes like a novelist, treating his brain as a partner in his decision-making process. Regardless of your professional perspective, the book will add wisdom to your perspective.
October 7, 2022
From a leader who began to understand issues such as ESG, the importance of data, the fundamental views of money, technology, labor supply etc and how they will evolve back in the 1950s. A must read for every leader.
December 26, 2023
This is a really facinating book on organisational thoughts. Reminds me of "Reinventing organisations" and how the portray the optimal organisation.
Its a must read if you have read Reinventing organisations.
Its a must read if you have read Reinventing organisations.
March 17, 2024
Solid book. Overall I would’ve rather more focus on his life rather than his perspective on decentralized organizations. That part got super repetitive especially with all the old monkey interludes. His life story and the story of Visa was awesome though.
June 10, 2023
A thought-provoking read that gives insights into how Dee Hock’s mind worked
December 12, 2024
The mythical half of Hock's writing is a little too idiosyncratic.
March 29, 2013
great book,
like the writing, like the ideas,
very inspired by the chaordic thought, that still has to be distilled somewhere else.
Thankful for any suggestions on other books on chaordic principles
; )
like the writing, like the ideas,
very inspired by the chaordic thought, that still has to be distilled somewhere else.
Thankful for any suggestions on other books on chaordic principles
; )
March 31, 2013
my favorite b book ever! concepts have be inspirational to me for years now. collaboration matters! and if bankers, who have a vested interest in NOT working together, then surely we can too. the will to succeed, the grace to compromise.
December 28, 2021
The enthralling story of visa’s founding, smattered with Hock’s personal philosophies on organizational structures and personal excellence (as well as his critiques of the status quo).
Looking forward to reading his other books
Looking forward to reading his other books
January 9, 2008
More interesting than it sounds, I plan to finish it someday.
Read
October 5, 2012It's a must read for those interested in the concepts of Organizations as a living communities.
March 29, 2015
Лучшая книга о том, как нужно создавать компании.
July 20, 2014
Dee Hock,as a founder of VESA, made us stunning with his critical view of corporatism.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
Can't find what you're looking for?
Get help and learn more about the design.