Michael Lissack
partner whose feedback transforms the product design. They create more direct connections between specific actions and recognition rather than filtering acknowledgment through managerial interpretation. And they enable recognition to flow multidirectionally rather than exclusively from the top down. However, networked recognition also creates new challenges. When recognition systems span organizational boundaries, questions emerge about who “owns” reputation and under what conditions it transfers be- tween contexts. When algorithms influence visibility and acknowledg- ment, bias can become systematically embedded rather than remaining individually expressed. And when recognition becomes increasingly granular, organizations risk creating perverse incentives that optimize for visible metrics rather than genuine contribution. The most effective organizations develop recognition systems that leverage network dynamics while mitigating potential downsides. They create multiple recognition pathways rather than relying exclusively on either traditional or algorithmic approaches. They design for appropriate visibility—making contributions observable without creating surveil- lance anxiety. And they explicitly discuss the relationship between rec- ognition systems and organizational values, acknowledging that how we recognize contribution inevitably shapes what gets contributed. The Territory Paradox in Digital Spaces One of the most challenging tensions in organizational life involves territory—the spaces, resources, ideas, and responsibilities that individ- uals or groups consider “theirs.” Traditional organizations managed ter- ritorial dynamics through explicit boundaries like department divisions, budget allocations, and formal roles. While imperfect, these mechanisms created relatively clear demarcation lines that guided interaction. Digital environments present a territory paradox. On one hand, digital spaces seem infinitely expandable—a shared cloud drive can accommo- date unlimited files, a digital collaboration platform can include countless
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