Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Leaders Make the Future 2nd Ed. Author's Day: Reciprocity

One of the things Bob emphasized during his luncheon presentation was reciprocity in commons- creating. That is, giving something away (such as your intellectual property) and expecting to get something better in return. He did say that this type of commons-creating was more visible in the artistic field than in corporate settings, and I am trying to figure out if I actually understand this whole concept. So, maybe I should try applying this to an artistic common that I've seen.

I kind of see Improv. Everywhere as a common, because not only is it open to participation in all of its events, but it's performances are actually international (like the no-pants-in-public-places day). In a way, the group is giving their creative idea away for free to the public. Then, what are they getting in return?

Well, I guess participation of other ordinary people in their performances and maybe new improv. ideas. But, what is the "better" thing that they are getting in return?

It's hard to define the "better" return in terms of monetary value or profit. In a corporate field, maybe the return could be a better, more improved idea. But, as for comical performances like the ones done by Improv. Everywhere, the return doesn't just come to the group. Instead, it's a better return to everyone who's involved or has watched the performances, because the best return for the group's sharing their humorous creativity is laughter. A return that everyone partakes. Maybe, this is too fuzzy, but I think a similar concept could be applied to non-profits as well.

No comments:

Post a Comment