Collective intelligence refers to the capacity that emerges from the collaboration and collective efforts of many individuals or entities. It is the ability of a group to outperform individual members in various problem-solving and decision-making tasks.
This phenomenon can be observed in both human and animal groups and is increasingly relevant in the context of digital and networked environments.
Collective intelligence can manifest in various forms, such as :
Collective intelligence is particularly valuable in today's interconnected world, where complex problems often require interdisciplinary approaches and collaborative efforts.
Pierre Lévy is often cited as the principal theorist of collective intelligence. But in truth, the concept has been influenced by the work of many other thinkers and researchers.
A French philosopher who popularized the concept of collective intelligence in the 1990s. In his book "L'intelligence collective: Pour une anthropologie du cyberspace" (1994), he explores how information and communication technologies can transform collective thought processes.
A pioneer in computing, Engelbart is known for his work on systems for collaboration and knowledge sharing. His concept of "collective IQ" is a precursor to the modern idea of collective intelligence.
His book "The Wisdom of Crowds" (2004) also had a significant impact by popularizing the idea that groups of people can make better decisions than individual experts, under certain conditions.
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Collective intelligence harnesses the combined knowledge, skills, and perspectives of a group, leading to more effective problem-solving and decision-making than individual efforts alone. Here is why you should try to incorporate collective intelligence into your culture…
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The diversity of participants, including differences in skills, experiences, and perspectives, plays an important part. It brings varied and innovative ideas.
Open and transparent communication facilitates the exchange of ideas and information, and allow each member to contribute.
Members must feel safe to express their opinions without fear of judgment or retribution. This trust encourages active and authentic participation.
Collaborative technologies, like project management software such as Trello or Asana, and knowledge-sharing platforms like Slack or Microsoft Teams, play a pivotal role in enhancing collective efforts.
These tools streamline communication, task allocation, and document sharing, ensuring teams can collaborate seamlessly regardless of geographical location.
They promote transparency in project progress and facilitate real-time updates.
A leader who fosters open communication and respects diverse viewpoints helps maintain team cohesion and clarity of purpose. This approach not only enhances decision-making but also boosts morale and foster a collaborative environment where everyone feels valued.
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Here are some examples of frameworks used to promote collective intelligence within an organization :
Developed by Otto Scharmer, this process, based on listening and observation, aims to help teams detach from past experiences and work to bring forth new transformational opportunities, free from preconceived notions.
Often used in software development, AGILE promotes continuous collaboration among cross-functional teams and adaptation to changes throughout the project.
A user-centered creative process that encourages multidisciplinary collaboration to solve problems and design solutions in just 5 days!
An agile project management framework that fosters collaboration and self-organization among teams to deliver high-quality products iteratively.
During Open Space meetings and events, participants create and manage their own agenda of sessions around a defined theme. This format allows participants to lead discussions autonomously and collaboratively explore specific questions or themes.
These are the main barriers to collective intelligence.
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Like any tool, organizations must understand both the potential of collective intelligence and its limitations to maximize its impact. This article presents the essentials to know about this very powerful lever.
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